If you’ve just received dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you’re probably pretty excited about your new and improved smile! However, it’s now up to you to ensure that your dental implants last—and believe it or not, one way of doing this is by getting plenty of vitamin D! Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about how vitamin D can greatly benefit your oral health and boost the longevity of your dental implants, along with some tips for getting enough of it.
How Vitamin D Helps Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are in a complete class of their own when it comes to replacing missing teeth—these awesome implants are able to restore your teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. This is because they’re surgically implanted into your jawbone, where they fuse with it for increased stability and unparalleled durability. But their longevity is also greatly dependent on your willingness to take care of them, which is where vitamin D comes into play.
Vitamin supplements like vitamin D play a large role in fostering bone and joint health, which becomes increasingly important the older we get. Not only do these vitamins encourage healthy bones, but they also lower the chances of developing diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even heart disease. Since the success of dental implants is dependent on their fusion to your jawbone, vitamin D can help to foster this union and encourage long-lasting implants! But better yet, vitamin D also promotes healthy gums and produces compounds that reduce bacteria levels in the mouth. And if your gums aren’t healthy, your implants don’t have a very great chance of lasting long!
Tips for Getting Enough Vitamin D
There are fortunately many easy ways to increase your vitamin D intake. Consider the following tips:
- Soak up plenty of sunlight – Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D—spending roughly 20 minutes in the sun daily should give you more than enough of it.
- Eat nutrient-rich foods – There are several foods and drinks that naturally contain vitamin D; opt for things like salmon and tuna, orange juice, egg yolks, fortified cereals, and more
- Take a vitamin D supplement – Your provider can recommend over-the-counter supplements that can boost your vitamin D levels.
Loading up on vitamins and nutrients is never a bad idea—but the incredible impact they can have on your dental implants alone makes it worth considering adding plenty of vitamin D into your diet.
About the Practice
Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery proudly serves patients and families in Alexandria under the leadership of Dr. Amir Naimi, Dr. Pedram Yaghmai, Dr. Amro Shihabi, Dr. Nawaf Aslam Pervez, and Dr. Hadi Ansari. Their practice is pleased to offer several available services including dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (571) 777-6501.