Everyone wants to have a healthy smile, and that of course includes having teeth that are strong enough to stand up to the rigors of biting, chewing, and everyday use. So what can you do to ensure your smile is strong and healthy?

Vitamin D can help. Of course, any healthy smile begins with proper dental hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and appointments to have your teeth cleaned are a must if you wish to keep your teeth healthy and strong. However, in addition to these things, you can do other things, and this includes taking calcium and vitamin D.

Your teeth-just as all the bones in your body-are strengthened by calcium. However, your teeth have a special need for calcium: the surface of your teeth is covered by a hard substance called enamel. Enamel is made up mostly of calcium and phosphate-both substances that your body absorbs from the foods you eat.

In order for your body to properly absorb calcium and phosphate, you need adequate levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D assists you in absorbing the needed materials; without it, even though you may be eating calcium and phosphate, they may just pass through your body without being properly absorbed.

Although it is not clear how vitamin D interacts with your teeth themselves, scientists have noted that the cells involved in producing enamel have vitamin D receptors in them-meaning that it is likely that vitamin D is involved in the creation of enamel

In the fight to keep your teeth healthy and strong there is no replacement for brushing, flossing, and seeing your dental health professional for regular cleanings. However, in addition to these things, you can increase the strength of your teeth by taking adequate amounts of calcium and phosphate-and taking in enough vitamin D to make sure that your body can absorb these things.

Please contact us if you have any questions about your oral health.