Living Mouth-Healthy with Calcium
Did you know that calcium is mostly stored (about 99%) in teeth and bones, yet it plays a vital role in many body functions outside of teeth and bones?
To name some, calcium is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system, it helps in muscular function, and aids in transmission of nerve impulses. Overall, it is the most abundant mineral in your body. And how’s your oral health? Are you getting enough of calcium in your diet?
Your teeth enamel is the strongest, hardest substance in your body, even stronger than bone itself. It is the teeth’s first line of defense. Composed of amorphous calcium phosphate providing structural support, enamel does not break down easily and can repair itself because its calcium content stimulates recalcification and prevents tooth sensitivity. Hence, the mineral is also vital in the formation of young dentition and continuously necessary to maintain adult teeth enamel throughout its lifetime.
Calcium also attracts fluoride, increasing the amounts that get absorbed by the enamel. As we know, fluoride increases tooth enamel resistance to bacterial attacks that lead to cavities and decay. Fluoride also strengthens teeth by replacing some of the phosphorus in enamel. Calcium is better absorbed alongside vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium while boosting teeth and bone mineral density.
Your jaw is also calcium-rich and depends on calcium for its constant remodeling – resorption and deposition of bone. A strong and healthy jaw is necessary to support children’s and adult teeth and prevents early loss of teeth. As we age, the more we need calcium to support teeth and bones.
Osteoporosis, arthritis and other conditions affecting bone, such as lifestyle, should be a concern for you. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a diet rich in calcium can help healthy teeth and bone longevity.
Children need calcium to develop strong teeth and bones while adults need calcium to maintain them. There are many foods abundant with calcium. Cheese, yogurt, and milk are dairy products and are most of the best sources of calcium. Dairy products neutralize damaging acids that eat away teeth and are rich in casein, an enamel-protecting substance.
How to Increase Calcium Intake by our Bellevue Dentist
Leafy green vegetables like kale, broccoli and bok choy are also healthy sources of calcium. Adults can get their calcium similarly but you can also have this beneficial mineral from dietary supplements and multivitamins.
Know more about calcium’s benefits from your Bellevue dentist. It is one mineral you cannot do without if you want to have healthy teeth and bones.
