Your body requires many types of essential nutrients and minerals in order to function properly, and calcium is one of them. You might associate calcium with maintaining bone health, but this mineral is important to your oral health too.
You will need about 1000 mg of calcium every day in order to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Otherwise, you may suffer grave consequences in your smile. Understanding how calcium helps your teeth can motivate you to prioritize calcium in your diet. So read on to learn more about the role of calcium in your dental health.
How Does Calcium Help Dental Health?
Calcium is crucial to your oral health because it is the primary component making up your enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth. Your enamel withstands wear and tear from chewing and biting without issue usually, protecting the vulnerable interior of your teeth from potential damage. But if enamel thins or weakens, which can occur without enough calcium, enamel cannot regrow and restore its own health.
Including plenty of calcium in your diet will add protection to your enamel, fortifying your teeth. This extra strength will make your teeth better able to resist tooth decay, dental discoloration, and many other problems.
Calcium will strengthen your bones as well by increasing their mass in a similar way that it fortifies your enamel. This means that you can keep your jawbone healthy, and then it will have a lower chance of fractures or injuries. Then the jaw can better function and keep your teeth in place in your mouth.
How Does Calcium Deficiency Impact My Smile?
If you do not consume enough calcium, you will not experience the benefits to your oral health. But if you lack calcium, your body will supplement the deficiency by drawing the necessary minerals from elsewhere in your body, such as your teeth. Then you can see a significant weakening in your tooth enamel, which leaves your smile vulnerable to many dental concerns.
In this weakened state, your teeth could see a higher likelihood of penetration of oral bacteria, meaning you can experience more cavities. Calcium deficiency in the enamel also can come with aesthetic issues. You may see white spots form on the surface of your teeth or translucence at the edges of the teeth where enamel has thinned.
A dentist can treat cavities and other dental problems. But you should preserve the natural structure and appearance of your smile for as long as you can. One way to do this is to consume plenty of calcium in your diet on a consistent basis.
How Can I Ensure I Have Enough Calcium in My Diet?
You may wonder how to ensure you receive 1000 mg of calcium in your diet, but you can rest assured that many foods and beverages you already consume contain plenty of calcium. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are good sources of calcium, but not everyone can safely consume these items. Leafy vegetables like spinach, collards, and broccoli are also rich in calcium.
You will need other minerals and nutrients to keep your teeth and the rest of your body healthy. Vitamin D, for instance, helps your body absorb necessary calcium. Adhere to a balanced, nutritious diet to maintain good dental and overall health. Ask your dentist for more advice regarding nutrition and your teeth.