Periodontal Conditions Prevention – Soak Up Some Sun!

Summer is well underway and many people will be thinking about vacations. While there are lots of warnings about sun bathing, a little bit of sun can be good for your gums. Recent research published in the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology has added weight to previous studies which found a connection between a lack of sunlight and periodontal conditions prevention.

Sunlight contains vitamin D and it’s estimated that 1 billion people worldwide do not get enough of this vitamin. You can find this vitamin in small quantities in fatty fish such as sardines and mackerel and in tuna. It is also added to cereals and dairy products, but just about all of a person’s vitamin D intake is gained through sunlight. Sunlight accounts for 80-90% of intake.

 

Vitamin D and Periodontal Conditions Prevention

Vitamin D is important for the immune system as it helps to activate infection fighting cells, boosting the body’s response to infections such as periodontal condition. It helps to keep the bones strong and healthy through working with calcium. Being deficient in Vitamin D increases the risk of periodontal disease as well as the risk of jaw fractures. Periodontal disease or gum disease is one of the most common diseases in the world, and even worse, it has been linked with many other serious health conditions in recent years as we gradually learn more about the close connection between oral and general health.

Gum disease has been linked with diabetes, strokes, and problems during pregnancy, dementia and cardiovascular disease. One of the first signs of gum disease is noticing your gums have started to bleed. So if you have this symptom should you immediately try and soak up some sun? It would be nice if treating periodontal conditions and periodontal conditions prevention were that simple, but unfortunately it definitely isn’t and your best bet is to visit a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.

 

Why Visit a Periodontist?

Dentists who treat periodontal disease or help with periodontal conditions prevention are called periodontists, for example Dr. NavidRahmani at Manhattan Periodontics & Implant Surgery in Midtown NYC. You don’t need to ask your own general dentist for a referral to a periodontist as you can simply phone up and book an appointment for a consultation. While general dentists can easily diagnose gum disease, a periodontist is specially trained to treat gum conditions and will have the most up-to-date knowledge as well as specialized equipment to make treatment faster and more effective.

The early signs of gum disease can often be quite easily treated through thoroughly cleaning the gums to remove the infection, while more advanced periodontal disease can require ongoing treatment. Dr. Rahmani often treats advanced gum disease using one of the very latest dental lasers which can quickly and accurately remove diseased gum tissue while sterilizing the area.

 

Sunscreen: Everything in Moderation

While a little bit of sun can be good for periodontal conditions prevention, the dangers of staying out too long or without adequate protection are well documented. Please make sure you use plenty of sunscreen and don’t forget to protect your lips as this is one area that is often forgotten.

 

In: General Periodontal Topics | Periodontal Disease

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