Sink your teeth into vitamin D

Q: My teeth have been very sensitive for the past few months. At times they throb so much it's almost unbearable. I've been to the dentist and I don't have any cavities or problems with my gums or roots. Do you have any other information about what might be causing this problem?

Dr. Wright: One of the major signs of vitamin D deficiency is bone pain, technically referred to as osteomalacia. And it's important to remember that teeth are bones too. So sensitive, aching, or throbbing teeth that can't be explained by a dental cause might be a sign you need more vitamin D.

For adults, I recommend a total of 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day. This amount can generally be achieved by spending about 20 minutes in the sun with your face and arms exposed (just until your skin turns very slightly pink). If you can't get enough from the sun, cod liver oil is also a good source, containing daily 1,200-1,500 IU of vitamin D per tablespoon. Just remember to take additional vitamin E (in the form of mixed tocopherols) whenever you supplement with fish oils or other essential fatty acids, to help prevent them from oxidizing too rapidly in your body.

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