Calcium is an essential mineral for building strong teeth and bones. However, most of the world’s population isn’t getting the required amount.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) points out that around 56 percent of children and young adults fall below the recommended levels of dietary calcium. This has huge implications for dental health.
Inadequate calcium intake can lead to weak teeth, increasing dental caries and gum disease risks. In contrast, sufficient calcium intake from the diet or supplements will guard against these dental problems and ensure general oral health.
This article will elaborate on the role of calcium in teeth health, what happens when this element is deficient in the body, and how calcium intake can be enhanced in different age groups. Read ahead for some amazing insights.
The Role of Calcium in Teeth Health
Calcium is a mineral that forms your enamel, the hard layer outside your teeth to protect it from decay. When you have enough calcium in your diet, it ensures the protecting layer of your teeth strengthens. As a result, acids and bacteria, which are either a direct or indirect cause of cavities and tooth decay, cannot harm you.
However, calcium’s benefits do not end just here. It helps the dentin—the layers below or underneath the enamel. Dentin, in turn, contributes to maintaining the structure and strength of your teeth and, therefore, remains very important for dental health throughout your life.
Therefore, by taking a balanced diet and/or calcium supplements, you can make your teeth strong and healthy for the years to come.
How Much Calcium Do You Need?
The standard amount of calcium you need daily can vary depending on your age. For example, adults need around 1000 milligrams of calcium per day.
However, this quantity rises to 1200 milligrams for women over 50 and men over 70. The reason is simple: older adults are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis (bone disease). Hence, they need more calcium to maintain perfect overall health.
Children and adolescents need more calcium as their bones and teeth are still developing. That’s why even with low body weight, children between 4 and 8 need almost the same amount of calcium as adults, 1000 milligrams per day. Additionally, children from 9 to 18 need around 1300 mg daily to meet the requirements of their growth and development.
Signs of Calcium Deficiency in the Body
Insufficient calcium in the body may have serious implications for dental health. One of the early signs that you are critically deficient in calcium is that the enamel on your teeth loses its natural strength. Therefore, your teeth become prone to cavities and, subsequently, tooth decay. You may also feel that your teeth are too sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Long-term calcium deficiency can lead to severe teeth issues. For example, teeth may become so weakened that they are easily chipped or broken. Cavities spreading affected teeth may damage your jawbone, making it difficult to hold the tooth in place, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
In children, insufficient calcium intake leads to stunted growth of teeth and bones. This, in turn, causes dental malformation and other defects. In adults, mainly older people, osteoporosis may set in and involve the bones and teeth. The skeleton, including the jawbone, is affected, increasing the chance of losing a tooth and other defects.
Sources of Calcium for Superior Oral Health
Calcium-rich foods are an incredible addition that not only makes your meals more enjoyable but also excellent for your dental health. Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are the most commonly used foods for their high calcium content.
Those who are lactose intolerant or simply prefer not to eat animal products can use calcium-rich alternatives. Some of the common examples include kale, spinach, and fortified foods such as orange juice and cereals.
Try to mix it up a bit to keep your meals balanced. You can get some calcium from yogurt in a breakfast smoothie with kale, some from spinach in a salad at lunch, or some from fortified orange juice as a snack.
Best Dental Health Practices with Calcium
The calcium content in your food doesn’t necessarily determine healthy teeth. It needs a whole package of diet and lifestyle, which should be coupled with regular dental care. The following are best practices you should follow to help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
- Balanced Diet: A balanced diet includes an abundance of calcium-rich foods from each of the core food groups: dairy (milk, cheese, and yogurt) and non-dairy (leafy greens like kale and spinach). Do not ignore the importance of foods with added calcium, such as orange juice and cereals, that might add to the total level that you consume.
- Supplements: Calcium supplements may be taken if someone finds it hard to acquire enough calcium through the diet. At the same time, you should consult a health provider before taking supplements because of the risk associated with excessive calcium intake.
- Vitamin D: Make sure that you have adequate vitamin D because it helps your body to absorb calcium. One way to ensure that is spending some part of your day in sunlight, as sunlight helps your body make vitamin D. Other than that, you can enjoy vitamin D-fortified foods for additional benefits.
- Routine Dental Visit:
- Visit your dentist routinely for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will keep an eye on your oral hygiene and will guide you in every help to have your teeth and bones strong enough.
- Oral Care: Maintain oral hygiene through proper brushing and flossing. Fluoride toothpaste is useful to enable your enamel to resist cavities. With all these kept routine, you will have a much healthier set of teeth and be better set to ensure they stay that way for life.
FAQs
What is the best way to get calcium for dental health?
Calcium is necessary for good dental health and can be obtained from various foods, such as milk and other dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods, and supplements if necessary.
Can too much calcium be harmful to teeth?
Yes, too much calcium could be bad for the teeth, as excessive consumption leads to hypercalcemia, which can cause dental problems and other health complications.
Therefore, the proper dosage needs to be taken according to healthcare advice.
How does a calcium deficiency impact oral care?
Calcium can significantly deplete enamel, which might render teeth more susceptible to cavities. Additionally, a long-term deficiency of this vital mineral could result in very severe dental conditions.
Are there specific dental products high in calcium?
Although some dental aid products are supplemented with calcium, which would help a lot in improving teeth, it is best to get most of it from the diet.
The Takeaway
Calcium is unquestionably vital for excellent oral health. It strengthens the teeth, protects the enamel, and reduces dental disorders. However, without proper oral hygiene and dental cleanings, your calcium consumption will be in vain.
Therefore, always adopt these practices along with a calcium-rich diet to witness the maximum results. If you still need help related to your needs and concerns, don’t forget to seek professional advice.
