Catch Some Sun This Summer & Keep Gum Disease at Bay

Are you excited to catch some sun this summer? From pool parties to beach vacations to just relaxing outside, there are plenty of reasons to go out and enjoy the summertime sun. Now there’s another reason: it could be good for your gums! Recent research published in the Journal of Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology indicates that a lack of exposure to sunlight could increase your risk of gum disease. Read on to learn more about how the summer sun can help keep your smile healthy!

Understanding Gum Disease

You probably already know that if you don’t brush and floss often enough, the plaque and bacteria in your mouth can cause cavities. However, they can also attack your gum tissue. Infection and inflammation in the gums is called periodontal (gum) disease. The first stage of this common condition is called gingivitis, which is when the gums are sensitive, puffy, and bleed easily. At this point, the infection is still small and even reversible. However, if ignored or left untreated, the infection can evolve into periodontitis. At this stage, the infection is destructive enough to damage the jawbone and the connective tissues that help hold your teeth in place. In severe cases, the bacteria can escape into the blood stream and causes system health issues like Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

How Can the Sun Help Prevent Gum Disease?

So what role does the summer sun have in the health of your gums? The answer lies in vitamin D. While vitamin D can be found in many healthy and fortified foods, one of the easiest ways to get it is through sun exposure. When the sun’s ultraviolent B (UVB) rays hit your skin, they provide enough energy to the cholesterol there to naturally synthesize vitamin D.

This important nutrient is key for strengthening your immune system and helping your body fight off infection anywhere in the body, including the gums. While vitamin D doesn’t attack infections like gum disease directly, it helps the gum tissue stay strong and fight off bacteria and inflammation. A boost in vitamin D can make all the difference in preventing gingivitis from progressing into periodontitis, or keeping it from developing in the first place.

Tips for Smiling in the Summertime Sun

While research is ongoing, it appears that getting enough sunlight on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease! However, there are some important precautions you need to take if you want to stay safe while using the sun to keep your smile healthy:

• Always wear sunscreen: The FDA’s minimum recommendation is an SPF 15 sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology highly recommends SPF 30 to effectively prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
• Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential for spending time in the sun, for both your overall wellbeing and your oral health. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and try to aim for drinking 11-16 cups of water every day.
• Remember, the sun isn’t a substitute for brushing: The sun may be able to help prevent gum disease, but it shouldn’t take the place of regular brushing and flossing! Great oral hygiene is essential for removing the harmful particles that cause gum disease.

About the Practice

At Ralph Avenue Dental Care, we firmly believe in the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that’s why we strive to provide each of our patients the high-quality and personalized preventive care they deserve. With routine cleanings, and emphasis on patient education, and gum health checks at every checkup, we do everything we can to prevent issues like gum disease from developing. However, we also know that life doesn’t always go according to plan. That’s why we also offer an array of gentle and effective services, including gum disease treatment, to help keep your oral health on track should any problems arise. To learn more, we can be contacted online or at (718) 531-0300.