Our Grateful Dental team is always concerned with our patients overall health, as well as their oral health. We want to stress the importance of vitamin D (among others from a proper diet). Chicago and other northern cities lack sun exposure to get vitamin D naturally. We recommend getting your vitamin D levels checked annually. A vitamin D blood level of 40-80 ng/ml is a healthy goal. I personally took 10,000 units daily for 5 years before my levels reached 40 ng/ml. The last 3 years I have taken 5000 units daily and switched from drugstore vitamins to Thorne direct mail pharmaceutical grade vitamin D. My levels are finally normal again. Vitamin D is critical for a healthy mind and body. Vitamin D controls over 2000 genes, therefore plays a crucial role for all organs and bodily processes. The body’s vitamin D requirements cannot be met through food but rather naturally formed by solar radiation. If there is insufficient sun exposure, supplementation is recommended.
“Vitamin D” is a bit of a misnomer, as the final stage of Vitamin D3 is a hormone, calcitriol. Calcitriol works by inhibiting the synthesis and release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). When the calcium level sinks, PTH is synthesized and released, and a cascade of actions occur that lead up to calcium being released from the bone. The consequence is a higher level of calcium in the blood and lower mineral content in the bones which causes osteopenia or osteoporosis. However, when calcitriol is present, the synthesis and release of PTH is inhibited, therefore the release of calcium from the bone ceases. Instead, calcitriol reduces the calcium excretion from the kidneys, allowing more calcium to pass through to be absorbed by the small intestine which in turns leads to an increase in osteoblast (bone building) activity.
Healthy bones are essential for dental health, especially when it comes to procedures like implants. Calcitriol is the most important hormone involved in bone formation. It stimulates osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone building. This is particularly important for dental implants, as the integration of the implant with the jawbone (osseointegration) is critical for the success of the procedure. Low serum levels of vitamin D can slow this process and increase the risk of graft infection, making adequate vitamin D levels vital for patients undergoing dental treatments.
Inflammation is a common issue in dental health, often leading to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause bleeding gums, deep periodontal pockets, and tooth loss. Vitamin D helps reduce inflammation, which is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing periodontal disease. By reducing inflammation, vitamin D also supports faster healing and better outcomes for dental procedures.
Vitamin D also stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. These peptides help protect the oral cavity from infections, promoting overall oral health and aiding in the recovery process after dental treatments.
Autoimmune diseases can have a significant impact on oral health, often exacerbating conditions like dry mouth and increasing susceptibility to infections. Vitamin D’s immune-modulating properties can help manage these conditions, reducing their impact on oral health.
Vitamin D is essential for more than just building strong bones. Its roles in calcium metabolism, inflammation reduction, antimicrobial defenses, and immune modulation make it a crucial nutrient for dental health. For patients undergoing dental procedures like extractions or implants, maintaining proper serum levels of vitamin D is imperative for optimal healing and reduced inflammation. At our dental office, we encourage all our patients to ensure they have adequate vitamin D levels to support their overall health and well-being. It is recommended to take 100 µg of Vitamin K2 (MK-7) and 10,000 I.U. of vitamin D3. If you have any questions about vitamin D and its importance for your dental health, don’t hesitate to ask during your next visit. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!
