SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
Even with the vaccines still available, COVID-19 is still out there. The coronavirus pandemic has all of us thinking more and more about our overall health and wellness. And, if you were stuck at home for extended periods of time during the pandemic, stress, junk food, and the always-available food deliveries may have you in less-than-ideal health. This can make you more vulnerable to diseases and infections, or if you contract COVID-19, it can make you more susceptible to serious complications. Don’t fret, though. In this article, your Scotts Valley dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry explain how Vitamin D could boost your immune system as well as your respiratory health.
Why is Vitamin D so beneficial?
- It lowers inflammation levels, especially in the lungs, which can be key if exposed to or infected with COVID-19.
- While there is not a scientific consensus, some findings suggest that increasing your vitamin D intake can help to prevent and treat the common cold. However, you should speak with your doctor before beginning a vitamin regimen.
- Researchers also have found a possible link between Vitamin D levels and the frequency and severity of symptoms in people with asthma.
Recently, the Busselton Healthy Aging Study evaluated more than 5,000 members of the “baby boomer” generation, defined as those born between 1946 and 1964, with respect to their lung function, existing respiratory symptoms, and Vitamin D levels. Their findings? The lower their vitamin levels were, the higher their likelihood of having a respiratory illness, whether it be asthma, bronchitis, wheezing, or chest tightness. Low lung function was tied to low levels of Vitamin D, while those with higher levels of the vitamin had superior lung function compared to the other study participants.
Vitamin D and Oral Health … They go hand in hand
You probably know about the key components of a good regimen of oral care: regular brushing and flossing, in combination with regular visits to a dentist in Scotts Valley for a check-up that includes a professional dental cleaning and an oral exam. Vitamin D is also key to having healthy teeth and gums. It promotes strong and healthy bones while also improving your defenses against tooth decay and gum disease. If you are concerned about your Vitamin D levels, contact your primary physician for a blood test that measures those levels. Recent research indicates that a Vitamin D deficit, or VDD, can result in issues with both enamel and dentin—two of the outermost layers in the structure of your teeth.
Preventive Dentistry in Scotts Valley
Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry wants to make sure you are in the best total health possible. Making sure you have sufficient levels of Vitamin D can improve your oral health, your immune system, and your ability to fight off serious illness if you become infected with COVID-19. At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we are proud to offer preventive care to our patients in the areas of Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz. To find out more about these services or our preventive care program, schedule an appointment today or give us a call at (831) 438-4411.
