Vitamin D is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones according to a paper in the
Journal of Periodontology...
The End of Daylight Savings Time May Harm Your Oral Health
Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium on Periodontitis
CHICAGO — September 21, 2005 — Beginning in 2007, daylight savings time will be extended by almost a month. This additional amount
of daylight may also help extend the life and health of people’s teeth and bones. That’s because vitamin D, also known as
the “sunshine vitamin,” is made by the body through casual and minimal sun exposure. Vitamin D is just as essential as calcium
for healthy teeth and bones according to a paper that was published in the September issue of the Journal of Periodontology.
Study Abstract *
“Both vitamin D and calcium counteract deficiencies and reduce bone resorption,” said Dr. Charles Hildebolt, Department
of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. “Numerous studies indicate that vitamin
D and calcium deficiencies result in bone loss and increased inflammation. Inflammation is a well recognized symptom of
periodontal diseases, which is why it has been suggested that calcium and vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for periodontal diseases.”
Research shows that the best means of obtaining the required amount of vitamin D is from sunshine. According to the National
Institutes of Health, season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog and sunscreen affect ultraviolet ray exposure and
vitamin D synthesis. Ten to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands
or back is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. People who live in an area with limited sun exposure may
want to eat foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, eggs, sardines and tuna fish.
“We are not encouraging people to forego their sun protection, nor to spend prolonged periods of time in the sun” said
Vincent J Iacono, DMD and president of the American Academy of Periodontology.
“According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no such thing as a total UV block. Even the most effective
sunscreens currently on the market let through enough UV to allow for adequate vitamin D formation.”
Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that, if left untreated, may cause damage to the bone and even tooth loss. A number of
infectious diseases have been linked with low levels of vitamin D, and it has been demonstrated that vitamin D
can suppress proinflammatory cytokine production. (Proinflammatory cytokines are molecules that have destructive effects throughout the body.)
“Periodontal disease increases the production of cytokines, but it has been demonstrated that vitamin D can suppress
cytokine production, and possibly decrease the risk of periodontal disease,” explains Hildebolt.
“Further research is needed to define the health risks associated with inadequate levels of vitamin D and calcium
intake and how they affect periodontal diseases,” said Iacono. “Until we have further information, it is prudent for patients to
talk to their healthcare providers about the possibility of taking vitamin D and calcium supplements.”
About the AAP
The
American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.
* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the
study Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium on Periodontitis.
Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP
members and Journal subscribers or purchased online for $20.
A referral to a periodontist in your area and free oral health brochure
samples are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.
Find Out More
