Aside from the current global pandemic, another one has been brewing since due to declining dietary habits and reduced sun exposure due to the psycho-social knock-on effects of COVID-19.
Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic issue due to decreased vitamin D intake from food and lessened sunlight exposure. All of which have been happening to a larger extent due to regulations, rules, and fear surrounding COVID19.
Attention is drawn to vitamin D and its role learned in notable clinical disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers including oral ones.
Vitamin d is also very effective along with minerals in the protection of oral health.
Vitamin d helps maintain the calcium-phosphate balance and contributes to the shaping of the bone.
Vitamin D has become a hot topic recently. There seems to be no end to the number of studies being published on vitamin D. What does the science say? Are supplements really worth it? Can you get too much vitamin D?
Vitamin D deficiency is common in both adults and children worldwide. This condition is associated with increased risk of several diseases. Recent research suggests that vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of some conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and depression.
The jury is out on whether taking vitamin D supplements can prevent or treat these health issues. Some experts argue that enough evidence exists to support its benefits, while others suggest that more study is needed before drawing conclusions.
It is reported that with sufficient vitamin D level, the onset and progression of cavities in the tooth structure can be stopped, the formation of caries can be reduced and enamel loss can be prevented.
Vitamin D also affects the disease and health conditions of the periodontium. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions have a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disorders. It can reduce bone resorption and suppress the inflammatory outcome related to mouth and tooth diseases by increasing mineral density.
Deficiencies in Vitamin d have been linked with tooth decay, gingivitis, and tooth loss. Vitamin D, in particular, as a promising oral health-protective agent, is said to lessen the incidence of caries and periodontitis.
There are many causes of vitamin D deficiency, which determines the pathogenesis of many diseases, including ones of the mouth and teeth (periodontal).
per·i·o·don·tal
/ˌperēōˈdän(t)l/
- relating to or affecting the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth.: "periodontal tissue" "periodontal disease".
Dental health loves sunshine
Constant low uptake or deficiency of vitamin D results in the progression of periodontal diseases and jaw bone metabolism - leads to a change of bone mineral density, causes resorption in the jawbones, tooth loss, changes of chewing function, and osteoporosis (thinning bones).
The research strives to link vitamin D with gingivitis and periodontitis and prove its therapeutic and preventive role, because of vitamin D immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects for periodontal tissues and best treatment outcomes.
Vitamin D plays a significant role in the mouth and its surrounding tissues. According to some studies, high dose vitamin D (up to 10,000 IU’s a day) is safely tolerated in adults. However, whether or not it makes a dramatic impact compared to lower dosages (2000 IU per day or less) is still hotly debated.
It is a very unique substance due to its abilities, functions, and participation in various processes. Its optimal serum levels could prevent the occurrence of numerous diseases, including such common diseases throughout the world as chronic periodontal diseases, which are social problems, compromising an individual's quality of life.
Track your and your families' Vitamin D levels from home now, & share the results with your dentist.
References:
June 2018Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) 54(3):45 Follow the journal
DOI: 10.3390/medicina54030045
LicenseCC BY 4.0
Project: Significance of Vitamin D in Jawbone and in Immune Response of Periodontium
Krishnan AV, Feldman D. Mechanisms of the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory actions of vitamin D. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Tox i c o l o g y. 2011;51:311-36. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010510-100611
(PDF) The Importance of Vitamin D for Periodontal Tissues. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350276489_The_Importance_of_Vitamin_D_for_Periodontal_Tissues
"Periodontitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic." 14 Feb. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021.
