In case you have forgotten, Vitamin D helps in the formation and growth of strong bones in our body. Though our teeth aren’t bones, they are formed with similar tissues and so face the same problems as bones.
The crown of our tooth is made of enamel. Our enamel is made of calcium phosphate and is the hardest substance in our body. Under the crown is dentin, which is made of mineralized tissue and is softer than the enamel. The pulp of the tooth that has the nerves and the blood vessels for the tooth can be found within the dentin. The tooth further down has a bony support in the jaw and skull and is covered by cementum. It is another mineralized tissue that helps the tooth attach to the bone. The gums are where the crown of the tooth meets the supporting bone.
At each and every stage of the development of the bone, vitamin D and calcium are essential. A deficiency thereof can cause inadequate mineralization of all these bony composites, which may lead to various dental problems. Some of them include:
• Lack of vitamin D in a mother during her pregnancy may also affect the development of permanent teeth in a child, and may cause deformity.
• Periodontal disease that affects the supporting structures of the tooth may also be aggravated by a lack of vitamin D in the body. When the bone in the jaw or the skull isn’t mineralized properly due to lack of vitamin D, the cementum doesn’t form too well, which may lead to loosening of teeth.
• Cavities can be associated with lack of vitamin D. Cavities can cause a hole in the enamel of the tooth. A lack of vitamin D may make the tooth more susceptible to the bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay.
So go walk in some sunshine. It’s obviously good for you, just make sure to wear sunscreen too!