What Are the Effects of a Vitamin D Deficiency on Teeth?

A lack of Vitamin D, the nutrient most commonly ingested through fortified milk, and produced by your body with the assistance of the sun's rays, proves detrimental to optimum dental health. Vitamin D deficiency can affect both your teeth and gums.

Effect No. 1 - No Bones About It

• There is a reason milk is fortified with Vitamin D: the calcium provided by milk requires Vitamin D for proper absorption in your body. Improper absorption of these two nutrients can lead to brittle teeth and bones, including your jaw bone. Brittle bones are more easily fractured.

Effect No. 2 - Gum Disease

• Studies to date have linked a lack of Vitamin D intake to increased inflammation in the human body. This swelling of the gums is a symptom of periodontal, or gum, disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that has been known to cause harm to the jaw bone and teeth.

Effect No. 3 - Cytokines and Inflammation

• Gum disease causes an escalation in the production of cytokines, which are biological bodies that increase inflammation in your body. Vitamin D is able to suppress the production of cytokines, and therefore reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

Sunshine and Vitamin D

• Healthy recommended doses of sunshine call for 10 to 15 minutes of "sun time" twice a week. This amount of sun exposure helps your body produce Vitamin D naturally. Follow your dermatologist's recommendation for applying sunscreen during this time period, as sunblocks will still allow enough of the UV rays to pass through to produce healthful amounts of Vitamin D.

Foods Containing Vitamin D

• Foods known for their healthy doses of vitamin D include fortified milk and cereals, eggs, sardines, tuna fish and fish liver oils. You may also consider adding Vitamin D supplements to your diet. Be aware, however, that too much Vitamin D can lead to too much calcium in your body. Excessive amounts of Vitamin D can also cause increased urination and thirst.