The Importance of Vitamin D in Dentistry for Dental Health

Why is vitamin D important for dental health?

The importance of vitamin D in dentistry may not be something many people are aware of. Even so, when you understand vitamin D’s role in body function, you can see how it relates to dentistry. Furthermore, research supports this fact.

What function does vitamin D play within the body?

Calcium and phosphate are essential. They are necessary for the mineralization required in building bone and tooth enamel. Vitamin D helps the body absorb these elements. When you’re deficient in calcium and phosphate, you’re more prone to developing weak bones. You’re also more at risk cavities and gum disease.

The body uses vitamin D for bone remodeling. Bone remodeling is an ongoing process in the body. This process removes mature bone tissue and replaces it with new bone tissue. It also controls the reshaping of bone after injuries like a fracture. In addition, vitamin D helps the body’s immune system fight off infectious diseases.

Dental Implant Research Shows the Importance of Vitamin D in Dentistry

Dental Tribune reported about a study conducted in 2009. Researchers investigated vitamin D’s role with dental implants.

The experiment inserted implants into two types of control animals. Some were normal and others were deficient in vitamin D. Results emerged as early as 15 days after the implant. The deficient animals showed a 66% decrease in implant value. Later studies in 2014 showed that vitamin D deficiency could be a factor in dental implant failures. By comparison, other studies showed that with increased vitamin D levels, implants were successful.

The largest study on implants involved 1,740 implants in 885 patients. The study showed the need for vitamin D testing and supplementation before dental implant placement. Vitamin D was also necessary afterward for maintenance after placement of dental implants.

Sources of vitamin D

Sources of vitamin D include:

Do you have questions about dental care?

We’re happy to discuss your questions and concerns. Give us a call at Hutto Hippo Family Dental. We’re glad to help. Our number is (512) 806-7740.