Vitamin D has been proven essential in healthy immune function as well as bone health. In our North American climate Vitamin D, or the sunshine vitamin, is often not naturally produced in high enough quantities for optimal health. How does this affect your dental health? Dr Mikhail was recently at a dental implant course that spoke to its deficiency being responsible for many implant failures. For a dental implant to be successful, the bone in the jaw must be healthy. This vitamin allows the body to absorb calcium in a way that promotes overall bone health.
How can you increase your vitamin D intake?
Foods such as salmon, eggs, as well foods fortified with vitamin D such as certain milks and orange juice can all help you to boost your vitamin D intake. Supplements may be helpful and are recommended by many health care professionals. Regular exposure to natural sunlight is one of the best ways to increase your vitamin D. Experts recommend 10 to 30 minutes in the sun a few times per week.
Dr Mikhail has been recommending that his patients begin supplementing vitamin D up to 1000U per day in summer and 2000U per day in winter to help improve overall health and also to promote osseointegration for implants and great healing for extraction. Do you think you may be deficient in vitamin D? Please contact your primary care physician for personalized recommendations for supplementation. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about this topic or any topic related to dentistry. Educating and empowering our patients to make great choices for optimal health is our passion!