Studies indicate that vitamin D can suppress the production of proinflammatory cytokines, the molecules that have destructive effects throughout the body. Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are a risk factor for bone loss and increased inflammation. Inflammation is a well recognized symptom of periodontal diseases. An effective way of obtaining the required amount of vitamin D is from sunshine. Season, geographic latitude, time of day and cloud cover affect ultraviolet ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis. Ten 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. People who live in an area with limited sun exposure may want to eat foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, eggs, sardines and tuna fish.

On the other hand, people are not encouraged to forego their sun protection, nor to spend prolonged periods of time in the sun. Since even the most effective sunscreens currently on the market still let through enough UV to allow for adequate vitamin D formation, using UV sunscreen won't conflict with our need of required vitamin D from sunshine.