Living in New England during the blustery cold winter months, we may find it hard to seek sunshine. When the sunshine disappears, our moods are lulled, our immune systems are down, and we do not feel as energized. With the sun shining however, the Vitamin D helps to regulate our calcium levels, maintain healthy bones and teeth, and also protect us from varying diseases.

According to the Vitamin D Council, “Dental caries, more commonly know as tooth decay, are tooth infections caused by bacteria that lead to a loss of the hard tissue on your teeth.” Statistically speaking, “92% of adults aged 20-64 years old have had dental caries in their permanent teeth.” These caries form a sticky layer of bacteria on our teeth and demineralize our enamel. There is some good bacteria that resides in our mouth that helps to successfully break down foods and sugars that we consume. When these dental caries are formed however they create the unwanted tooth decay. Vitamin D can also increase the amount of those good antimicrobial proteins, which have the power to destroy the bacteria that causes this decay.

In being a phosphate and calcium regulator, Vitamin D helps to keep our teeth healthy. The calcium is said to fortify our teeth and support jaw and bone strength. If there’s more sunlight, there’s more vitamin D present, in turn allowing us to have stronger teeth, thus preventing decay. As mentioned in recent studies, there is a higher risk of cavities for people living in regions with little sunlight, sometimes double the risk compared to those living in regions with more sun days.

With its multitude of benefits, Vitamin D also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Periodontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults, and it’s due to inflamed gums and bacteria. If there is more Vitamin D present in our bodies to prevent this, less inflammation will occur.

But what about those who are residing in places that rarely see the light, what actions can they take to infuse their bodies with this valuable vitamin? Even though the glistening beams reflecting off our face and soaking into our bodies warms us and brightens our spirit, there are other ways to grab your daily dose of Vitamin D. Seek it from foods that have high levels of it including, “egg yolks, fatty fish, soy milk, orange juice, and cereals.” Also, in purchasing Vitamin D supplements you can also soak up the benefits of sunlight.

It may be difficult to grab your dose of Vitamin D from the sun everyday, especially living in a subzero New England winter, so take these alternatives into account. If we have more Vitamin D present in our systems we not only will have stronger bones, but healthier teeth as well, and be able to keep on smiling radiantly for the whole world to see!