Nothing is more precious than your little one’s smile. With their oral health and overall wellness connected, you do what you can to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Besides regular dental care and good oral hygiene at home, a healthy smile also relies on plenty of sunshine. According to recent studies, at least 15% of children are vitamin D deficient. Not only can low vitamin D affect their physical and psychological health negatively, but it can also put them at risk of preventable dental problems. Here’s how spending more time outside this summer can improve your child’s dental health.
Dental Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that supports your little one’s oral health in many ways, including:
- Aiding Calcium Absorption: Calcium is vital for healthy teeth and bones, but your child’s body can’t use it correctly if they are vitamin D deficient. The vitamin allows their body to absorb calcium properly and completely for strong bones and enamel.
- Cavity Prevention: Tooth decay is more common than childhood asthma. Studies have found that vitamin D may lower the risk of cavities by up to 50%.
- Immune System Support: Vitamin D keeps your child’s immune system strong to protect against germs, viruses, and infections, including gum disease.
Good Sources of Vitamin D
Pediatric healthcare professionals recommend children over 1 year of age receive 400-600 IU of vitamin D per day. Children 1 to 10 years of age should have about 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily. The sun is the best source of vitamin D. Your little one should spend 15 to 30 minutes outside at least five times a week. However, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect against sunburns. Your child can also receive vitamin D through their diet with foods like:
- Fatty fish
- Eggs
- Milk
- Fortified cereal
Your child’s pediatrician can check their vitamin D levels through a routine blood test. If spending more time outside and changes to their diet aren’t providing your little one with enough of the vitamin, their pediatrician may recommend adding a daily supplement.
If you have any concerns about vitamin D deficiency affecting your child’s dental health, speak with their pediatric dentist to create a personalized plan to keep their smile healthy.
About Dr. Ghulam Sheraz
Dr. Sheraz is a certified pediatric dentist with over 15 years of experience. He earned his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey before continuing his education to focus on pediatric dentistry. He is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or contact his office.