{"id":2705,"date":"2021-07-12T15:44:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T15:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saltrundental.com\/blog\/?p=2705"},"modified":"2021-08-12T15:44:49","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T15:44:49","slug":"summer-sun-healthy-gums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saltrundental.com\/blog\/summer-sun-healthy-gums\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Summer Sun Can Give You a Healthier Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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It\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Sunlight Affects Your Body<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Oral Health Benefits of Vitamin D<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because vitamin D boosts your immune system, it naturally leads to better oral health. Namely, it helps to protect you from gum disease<\/a>. 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\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to prevent this condition to the best of your ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, keeping your vitamin D levels high can be a major help. When your immune system is functioning well enough, it\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get Enough Sunlight \u2013 the Safe Way!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to strike the right balance between getting a healthy amount of sunlight and risking skin damage by getting too much. Here\u2019s how you can safely acquire your daily dose of vitamin D:<\/p>\n\n\n\n