Does Vitamin D Affect Your Teeth?

Nutrients typically serve multiple functions in your body. Magnesium, for example, is essential for over 300 chemical reactions vital for proper body function. Vitamin D is no different. As with many nutrients, its presence also affects the actions of other vitamins and minerals. This is especially true regarding the relationship between vitamin D intake and the health of your teeth. Without vitamin D, you cannot have stronger healthy teeth.

Function

One of vitamin D's primary functions is to aid in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Your body cannot gain the benefits of these two minerals without the presence of vitamin D. Herein lies the connection between vitamin D and your teeth. Vitamin D does two things. First, it allows calcium to be absorbed in the small intestine. In fact, absorption cannot occur without vitamin D. Second, researchers believe that vitamin D may play a role in a hormone called parathyroid hormone that regulates calcium concentration in the bloodstream.

Calcium and Teeth

Almost all of your body's calcium is stored in your skeletal system and teeth. The 1 percent remainder circulates in your bloodstream and exists within your muscles. If your level drops, your body begins the process of breaking done bone and teeth to release calcium stores. Over time, this can weaken your skeletal system and teeth, making vitamin D essential for the health of your teeth.

RDA for Vitamin D

The RDA of vitamin D has been subject to scrutiny in recent years. A growing body of medical experts found evidence that the previous RDA of 400 IU was insufficient to meet an individual's health requirement. A review by the Institute of Medicine prompted an increase in the RDA to 600 IU for adult men and women in 2010. Even so, some experts like the Vitamin D Council prefer a higher RDA because of additional health benefits it may provide, including cancer prevention.

Sources

The single best source of vitamin D is sun exposure. Your time in the sun will provide enough vitamin D for your body to store. Sunlight triggers a chemical reaction that causes a form of cholesterol in your skin to become an active form of vitamin D that your body can then use. If you live in northern latitudes, you may also have to rely on dietary intake, especially during the winter months. Fortified products like milk and orange juice provide excellent sources. Other options such as mussels and clams offer additional sources. By ensuring that you get enough vitamin D, you can provide your body with a means to keep your teeth healthy.