Thursday, December 6, 2012

Vitamin D: A Tool Against Decay?

Vitamin D is a building block of teeth. A recent study that summarizes 60 years of clinical results suggests that increased levels of Vitamin D may reduce the prevalence of tooth decay in children.

Vitamin D is generated in response to exposure to sun or high-intensity artificial lighting. It is routinely taken as a food supplement.

My thoughts: If the studies are accurate, and the biochemistry of vitamin D and tooth formation is accurate, then it may be beneficial for kids to be outside wtih judicious amounts of sunlight exposure. I see light-based vitamin D therapy as win-win for kids: it reinforces the idea of 60 minutes of exercise outdoors a day, which is an anti-obesity behavior; and it reduces decay risks.

Regardless, have your kids attend regular dental visits to screen them for decay as well as establish a "dental home" for them to reinforce excellent dental care behaviors for a lifetime. Call us today to schedule your children!

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