Vitamin D is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones according to a paper in the September issue of the Journal of Periodontology. This comes as good news to Americans, as daylight saving time will be extended by almost a month in the USA from 2007, which may help extend the life and health of people's teeth and bones through the extra sunshine.

According to Dr Charles Hildebolt, Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, both vitamin D and calcium counteract deficiencies and reduce bone resorption. “Studies indicate that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies result in bone loss and increased inflammation. Inflammation is a well recognised symptom of periodontal diseases, which is why it has been suggested that calcium and vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for periodontal diseases,” he said.

According to the National Institutes of Health (USA), 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands or back is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D.

“We are not encouraging people to forego their sun protection, nor to spend prolonged periods of time in the sun,” said Vincent J Iacono, DMD and President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no such thing as a total UV block. Even the most effective sunscreens currently on the market let through enough UV to allow for adequate vitamin D formation.”