Dental implants are considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, and rightfully so! These awesome little implants can fully restore the look and feel of your lost pearly whites, providing you with an unparalleled increase in bite power and self-confidence. But if you’re set to receive dental implants to restore your smile, you might be wondering if there are any secrets to ensuring their success. Keep reading to learn more about how vitamin D can greatly benefit your oral health and in turn, your dental implants in Moses Lake.
How Vitamin D Benefits Your Oral Health (and Dental Implants)
Part of what makes dental implant success rates so high (over 95%) is how they’re placed within your mouth. Dental implants work by literally fusing with your jawbone; this process is called osseointegration, and in order for it to be successful, you need to have healthy bones, teeth, and gums. This is where vitamin D comes into play!
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps your body to regulate phosphate and calcium levels, which in turn fosters bone and joint health. Without a sufficient amount of vitamin D, you’re at a heightened risk of calcium deficiency, which increases your vulnerability to oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Insufficient vitamin D levels can also lead to other health issues including osteoporosis, depression, muscle atrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer.
Simply put, vitamin D benefits your body in many ways—but especially your dental implants! Since it yields so many positive benefits for your oral health, it’s helping to lay the foundation for dental implant success. It’s just a matter of ensuring that you’re receiving enough of it.
Tips for Getting Plenty of Vitamin D
Fortunately, there are several ways to increase your vitamin D intake and set yourself up for a successful dental implant journey. Consider the following tips:
- Soak up plenty of sunlight – Sunlight is arguably the best direct source of vitamin D; spending about 20 minutes in the sun every day will work wonders for your vitamin D levels and in turn, your oral health. Just don’t forget to use sunscreen! A UV lamp can also do the trick.
- Eat vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods – There are many foods and drinks that naturally contain vitamin D: salmon, tuna, fortified cereals, egg yolks, milk, orange juice, and more.
- Consider a vitamin D supplement – Your dentist or doctor can recommend over-the-counter supplements that can boost your vitamin D levels.
It’s never a bad idea to prioritize your vitamin intake—and it’s pretty easy to do, too! If you’re slated to receive dental implants, you should know that vitamin D will play an important role in their future success.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder has proudly served the dental needs of the Moses Lake, WA area for over 20 years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including dental implants. Dr. Harder received his dental doctorate from Creighton University. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Harder through his website or over the phone for assistance: (509) 765-4351.