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    Woman taking vitamin d for oral health
    17 Mar 2025

    The Connection Between Vitamin D and Oral Health

    Vitamin D is essential for health, period. Its role in bone health is well known, but its impact on oral health is just as important and often overlooked. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus, both critical for developing and maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. It’s among the key vitamins our body needs, and is commonly deficient in. Without enough vitamin D, your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss rises.

    What Vitamin D Does for Teeth and Gums

    The oral care team at Reflections Dental Oakville recommend patients maintain adequate vitamin D levels helps support oral health in multiple ways — from protecting against gum disease to preserving bone strength around teeth. Book an appointment or call us today!

    1. Strengthens Tooth Enamel

    Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is necessary to build and maintain tooth enamel. Strong enamel is your first line of defense against decay. Weak enamel? You’re more likely to get cavities, sensitivity, and chips. Studies have found that people with low vitamin D levels often have higher rates of tooth decay.

    2. Lowers Risk of Gum Disease

    Vitamin D also supports the immune system and helps reduce inflammation, two key factors in gum health. Gum disease — from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis — is linked to chronic inflammation and bacterial infection. Vitamin D helps modulate the body’s inflammatory response and supports healthy tissue repair. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with a higher risk of bleeding gums, pocket formation, and bone loss around teeth.

    3. Prevents Bone Loss Around Teeth

    Your teeth are anchored by the alveolar bone. When this bone starts to break down, teeth loosen and eventually fall out. Vitamin D helps maintain this bone by supporting calcium metabolism. People with chronic vitamin D deficiency are more prone to periodontal bone loss and tooth mobility.

    What the Canadian Dental Association Says

    The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) highlights nutrition as a key factor in dental health. While it doesn’t issue specific guidelines on vitamin D supplementation, it acknowledges that nutrients like calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong teeth and bones. According to the CDA:
    “A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.”

    What Leading Experts Recommend

    Health Canada suggests that adults under 50 take 400 to 1,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily. Adults over 50 are advised to take 800 to 2,000 IU per day. Osteoporosis Canada also backs these guidelines and emphasizes the importance of vitamin D for bone health, including the jawbone that supports your teeth.

    Some researchers argue these levels are conservative, especially in northern climates like Canada where sunlight exposure — a natural source of vitamin D — is limited for much of the year. During fall and winter months, many people fall short of adequate levels through sunlight and diet alone.

    Best Type of Vitamin D to Take

    There are two main types:

    • Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): Derived from plant sources and fungi.
    • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): Sourced from animal products or synthesized from sunlight.

    Vitamin D3 is more effective than D2 at raising and maintaining vitamin D levels in the body. For this reason, most health professionals recommend D3 supplements.

    As for form, vitamin D3 is widely available in softgels, capsules, and liquid drops. Drops can be easier to dose, especially for children or those with difficulty swallowing pills. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.

    How to Know If You’re Deficient

    Many people in Canada are vitamin D deficient, particularly in winter. Symptoms may include:

    • Fatigue
    • Weak immunity
    • Bone or back pain
    • Mood changes (including depression)
    • Frequent cavities or gum issues

    Blood tests can confirm vitamin D levels. Optimal blood levels are generally considered to be 75–125 nmol/L.

    It May be Time for Vitamin D

    Vitamin D isn’t optional for dental health. It’s foundational. Strong teeth, healthy gums, and stable bone support all depend on this vitamin. Supplementation is often necessary, especially in low-sunlight environments. Ensuring you get the right form (D3) and dosage (at least 600–800 IU, higher if over 50) can help protect your teeth for the long haul. For Canadian families, getting tested for vitamin D deficiency is a great idea.