How the Summer Sun Helps Keep Your Smile Bright & Healthy

The warmer months have arrived! Many people enjoy spending the longer days outside and soaking up the sun. While the benefits of sunshine on physical health are widely known, it can also help keep your oral health in great condition too! Getting enough time in the sun can protect your teeth and gums from bacteria and disease, in addition to brushing and flossing daily as well as regular visits to the dentist. Read to learn more about the link between the sun and your oral health.

The Positive Link Between the Sun & Oral Health

One of life’s most simple pleasures is feeling some warm sunshine on your body. Not only does it feel amazing, but it also helps keep your smile healthy! The following are two ways the sun benefits your oral health:

The Sun Can Prevent Gum Disease

The main source of vitamin D for human bodies is its production in the skin by exposure to the sun. This essential vitamin plays a major role in controlling inflammation in the body, including the gums. If you don’t get enough sun, you can have low vitamin D levels. This causes the cells to produce cytokines, a protein that contributes to inflammation. Gum disease occurs when an infection in the gums goes untreated and leads to inflammation, causing them to become red and swollen. Unfortunately, serious cases can even lead to eventual tooth loss. By soaking in a bit of sun on a regular basis, you can help reduce your risk of it and keep your smile whole and beautiful!

The Sun Can Keep Your Bone Strong and Healthy

Another benefit of producing enough vitamin D from direct sunshine is that it regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the body. These vital minerals are crucial to keeping your bones and teeth healthy. Your pearly whites and jawbone are mostly made up of calcium and phosphate, so you must get enough of them to keep them strong. If you don’t get enough sun, vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakened bones and teeth. Essentially, the sun helps to keep your smile strong!

Protecting Yourself While in the Sun

While it’s important to get enough of the summer sun to keep your oral health in peak condition, it’s equally important to not get too much exposure. During the summer, it’s estimated that just 10-20 minutes is enough to produce enough vitamin D for a thriving body! Once you get enough direct sunlight, it’s best to protect your skin from it in order to prevent damage to it. The following are helpful tips to keep you safe from too much sun exposure:

• Apply sunscreen every 2-4 hours, especially if sweating or swimming
• Wear a lip balm with an SPF
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated
• Wear a hat to protect your face

Spending time in the summer sun can not only do wonders for your overall well-being but your oral health too. So, enjoy the sunshine rays and let your smile shine brightly all summer!

About the Author

Orange Place Family Dentistry keeps the smiles of Beachwood healthy and beautiful through the expertise of its team of dentists. With a focus on family, comfort, and high-quality dentistry, they provide a full range of services. They offer preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentistry to keep your teeth and gums in their best condition. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or by phone at 216-464-2448.