If you have struggled with tooth loss, you aren’t alone! More than 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. The good news is that you don’t need to go the rest of your life without them. Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there and can last a lifetime with proper care. However, for them to be successful, it’s important that you maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. Here’s why this is so important.
Why Is Vitamin D Needed for Dental Implants?
Vitamin D is necessary to maintain healthy bones and teeth. This vitamin helps your body to regular the amount of phosphate and calcium it has. These two minerals are required for excellent oral health. Without vitamin D, you would develop a severe calcium deficiency, leading you to experience various problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. When you have these problems, it is much less likely that you will support healthy dental implants. Calcium deficiency doesn’t just affect your smile either. It has been associated with other serious issues throughout the body, including depression, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and cancer.
How to You Get Vitamin D?
The most effective way for your body to get vitamin D is by absorbing it from the sun. By spending enough time outside, you can see huge changes in the amount of vitamin D and calcium your body has. The amount of time required for a sufficient amount of vitamin D absorption varies from person to person. This is due to the wide range of skin tones that absorb the sun’s rays at different paces. People who have darker skin tones have more melanin, which protects the body from overexposure. Because of this, people with darker complexions need anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours more than Caucasians, who only need about 10 to 30 minutes a few times a week.
How Else Can You Get Vitamin D?
Sunlight is the best way for your body to absorb vitamin D, there are also some foods that provide it:
- Fatty fish and seafood
- Fortified cow’s milk
- Egg yolks
- Portabella mushrooms
If you have concerns about your vitamin D levels, you can always get them checked through your primary care provider. If they are low, they might recommend over-the-counter supplements or give you a prescription.
Getting the nutrients that you need is essential for the health of your dental implants and the rest of your body. By spending some time out in the sun and enjoying foods rich in vitamin D, you can set your dental implants up for success!
About the Practice
At Heart of Texas Smiles, Dr. Theresa Lassetter, Dr. Guillermo Rivacoba, and Dr. Ethan Enneking work together to treat patients in the Waco community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof! For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (254) 203-9662.