Heat Wave Can Mean Better Oral Health!

These hot summer days tend to send people running for the pools and air-conditioned buildings. The heat may seem unbearable and completely unbeneficial; however, the British Dental Health Foundation claims that heat waves may very well be advantageous to oral health.

Vitamin D has been commonly known to be the key in the process of bone development. The human body is also able to naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Research has shown that the exposure and production of vitamin D may help combat tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease.

Within the last couple of days, the United Kingdom has been experiencing temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, which has occurred since 2006. Dr. Nigel Carter of the British Dental Health Foundation explained how the UK just went through a long and cold winter, resulting in many suffering from lack of vitamin D. Without the fortification of Vitamin D, gums can become inflamed and swollen and teeth can grow weaker. This leaves individuals more susceptible to gum disease and even tooth loss. With the recent heat wave, teeth and gum conditions may very well be improved with the increase of Vitamin D.

Dr. Carter notes that gum disease is actually quite preventable. What is important is that plaque needs to be removed from teeth on a daily basis. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can really make a difference in the prevention of cavities. Summer days are also an excuse to indulge and cool carbonated sodas and ice creams. Remember, sweets and acidic drinks can be detrimental for teeth. Doctors recommend that instead of eating throughout the day, keep these snack within meal times to reduce the exposure to acidic drinks and sweets. Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com

References:

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/health/heatwave-good-for-oral-health-317971.html

http://www.economicvoice.com/heatwave-could-be-good-for-oral-health/50038649

E.N. Alshouibi, E.K. Kaye, H.J. Cabral, C.W. Leone, and R.I. Garcia., Vitamin D and Periodontal Health in Older Men., J DENT RES., August 2013 92: 689-693, first published on June 20, 2013 doi:10.1177/0022034513495239

Hujoel, P. P. (2013), Vitamin D and dental caries in controlled clinical trials: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews, 71: 88-97. Doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00544.x