It’s no secret that spending time under the summer sun can do wonders for your mental health. Not only is it relaxing, but sunlight can even stimulate the production of serotonin and other feel-good chemicals in your brain. One thing you may not have realized is that sunlight can also contribute to healthy gums. Keep reading to learn how spending time outside this summer can help you maintain a bright, healthy smile.
How Sunlight Affects Your Body
Energy from sunlight allows your body to convert the cholesterol in your skin into vitamin D. You may have heard that this essential vitamin plays a key role in immune system function, and that’s true. It activates cells that are responsible for combatting infections, helping you avoid severe illness. Additionally, it strengthens your bones by allowing them to absorb calcium. While you can find vitamin D in certain food and dietary supplements, the easiest way to obtain this nutrient is through sunlight.
The Oral Health Benefits of Vitamin D
Because vitamin D boosts your immune system, it naturally leads to better oral health. Namely, it helps to protect you from gum disease. This bacterial infection attacks your gums and the structures anchoring your teeth in place. In fact, untreated gum disease is the most common cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. That’s why it’s crucial to prevent this condition to the best of your ability.
Luckily, keeping your vitamin D levels high can be a major help. When your immune system is functioning well enough, it’s able to minimize the damage to your gums and buy you more time until your dentist detects the infection at your next checkup. In other words, relaxing in the summer sun can help you preserve your natural smile!
How to Get Enough Sunlight – the Safe Way!
It’s important to strike the right balance between getting a healthy amount of sunlight and risking skin damage by getting too much. Here’s how you can safely acquire your daily dose of vitamin D:
- Try not to spend more than 30 minutes at a time in direct sunlight. Half an hour is typically all that you need per day.
- If you must spend more time in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can shield your face.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Taking the right precautions can help you enjoy your time in the summer sun while also promoting healthy gums. Of course, if you’re interested in more tips on caring for your smile during the summer months, feel free to ask your family dentist!
About the Authors
At Salt Run Family Dentistry, our three skilled dentists emphasize a preventive approach to oral health. They work collaboratively to ensure that every member of your family can have their smile needs met under one roof. Our team would be happy to provide advice on how you can prevent gum disease. To learn more, please contact us at 904-824-3540.