Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

Calcium: Are Your Teeth Getting Enough of It?

20 November 2015 by Lonnie Bryant

Calcium is one of the vital building blocks of your body. Essential for growing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, calcium is not something you should be missing out on, especially if you want to prevent tooth decay and the possible development of periodontal disease.

This guide will tell you why your teeth need calcium, what the signs of a calcium deficiency are, and how you can start giving yourself enough each day.

The Need for Calcium

Getting enough calcium can prevent several conditions, including osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. It's also vital for keeping your teeth healthy.

In fact, one team of researchers found that adding calcium to a person's diet made them much more likely to hang onto their teeth. They followed more than 140 adults for five years, giving them either a placebo or 500 mg of calcium over three years. Teeth were examined periodically both during and after the trial.

It was found that those who took the supplement were 40% less likely to lose one or more teeth, with those results continuing even two years after the supplement stopped being provided. The requirement of calcium for the proper health of your teeth has always been known, but studies such as this one are drawing even more attention to its importance.

Are You Low on Calcium?  

You should now understand how much your teeth require calcium, but how can you determine whether or not you're deficient? Luckily, there are a number of common warning signs, such as:

• Toothache: Unsurprisingly, a lack of calcium is often the cause of toothache since decay will be more likely to occur.
• Muscle Cramps: The overwhelming majority of your body's calcium is found in your teeth and bones, but it's also responsible for muscle contraction and relaxation.
• Brittle Nails: Your nails need calcium too. If they seem to break easily, you might not be getting enough.

How to Increase Your Calcium Intake

The most simple and efficient way to boost your calcium intake is by taking a supplement. If you choose to do so, look for one that is combined with Vitamin D – this will aid absorption.

Of course, some people prefer to take in everything they need in the most natural way possible. That's great since there are plenty of calcium-rich foods. Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk are recommended, but you can also get plenty from dark leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.

Make no mistake, your teeth always need a healthy supply of calcium, so ensure you're getting enough if you want to hang onto your pearly whites.

For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy, talk with your dentist. 

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