3 Reasons the Summer Sun Is Good For Your Smile

The days are long and the weather is hot. It must be summertime in Texas! Although summer may look a little different this year, there is still plenty of time to work on your tan, barbecue with friends, and catch up on some much-needed R&R. However, this season does more than just boost your mental health and create tan lines; it benefits your oral health as well! Your cosmetic dentist in Southlake shares three reasons the summer sun is good for your smile.

Sunlight Can Prevent Gum Disease

Did you know roughly one billion people have a vitamin D deficiency? While squeezing in some time in the sun can be difficult when the days are shorter and the weather is cooler, these problems don’t exist in the summer. Therefore, experts at the Community of Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology are urging people to prioritize soaking up some summer rays. After all, study after study has proved the connection between lack of sunlight and gum disease. Since vitamin D plays a crucial role in assisting the immune system, make sure to spend some time outside this summer.

Vitamin D Helps Keep Bones and Teeth Healthy

According to Dr. Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, vitamin D plays an important role in keeping both your bones and teeth healthy. In fact, it helps regulate the calcium and phosphate levels in the body. When there is a lack of vitamin D, then the bones, teeth, and muscles become vulnerable to abnormalities, like bone deformities and pain. Therefore, time in the sun can benefit both your oral and overall health!

Sunlight Provides Most of Your Vitamin D Intake

While supplements and dietary interventions can help boost your vitamin D levels, sunlight is where you can find nearly all the intake you need! However, it is also important to consider your skin’s sensitivity to the sunlight. Therefore, make sure to speak with your doctor about how much time you should spend in the sun each day. From there, they may also recommend additional steps, like increasing your intake of water and wearing sunscreen to keep you protected.

Although the summer sun can’t replace a solid brushing and flossing routine, it can provide your body with the sustenance it needs to function optimally. After all, who can complain about adding a few minutes in the sun to their oral care routine for a healthier smile?

About the Author

Since graduating with his D.D.S. degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew has used his skill and passion for dentistry at his practice in Southlake, TX. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, which only 4% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada achieve. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association and was selected as a “Texas Super Dentist” by Texas Monthly Magazine in 2004, 2015, and 2016! If you would like to improve your smile this summer, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 817-481-4888.