Calcium is one of many minerals that you need in order for your body to function properly. It is found naturally in foods and beverages, and people associate calcium with good bone health. But you might not realize you need plenty of calcium to keep your smile healthy too.
You should consume at least 1000 mg of calcium per day in order to maintain proper dental health. Read on to learn about the benefits that calcium will bring to your smile to encourage you to seek out this mineral in your diet.
How Does Calcium Help Your Teeth?
Calcium is the primary component of enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Enamel serves as a shield over the more vulnerable interior of your teeth. Though durable, enamel can erode or wear down over time. Once gone, it will not regrow, which leaves your teeth weak.
If you consume more calcium, you can add extra protection to your enamel. This keeps your teeth strong and resistant to structural damage. Teeth fortified by calcium can better fight tooth decay, surface stains, and more. You can look forward to keeping your smile looking and feeling its best.
Calcium also improves bone health because it contributes to the overall mass of your bones. So if you include plenty of calcium in your diet, you can have a healthier jawbone and reduce your risk of fractures and other damage. The jaw can then better keep your teeth in place in your mouth.
How Does Calcium Deficiency Impact Your Smile?
If you do not include enough calcium in your diet, you will miss out on extra enamel protection and other oral health benefits. But if you lack calcium in your body, it will draw the necessary mineral from your teeth in order to supplement its needs.
As a result, your teeth will weaken and become susceptible to many dental problems. Natural oral bacteria can penetrate weak spots in your enamel and put you at risk of cavities.
Calcium deficiency in the teeth can also lead to cosmetic dental damage. You may see white spots form on the weak areas of the tooth’s surface. The teeth may also appear translucent where the enamel has thinned.
Dentists can treat cavities and other dental issues, but you protect your natural dental structure as much as you can. You can do this by consuming plenty of calcium.
How Can I Include Plenty of Calcium in My Diet?
Many foods contain calcium, so you can keep your teeth healthy when you stick to a balanced and nutritious diet. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of calcium. If you cannot tolerate these foods, you can also find calcium in broccoli, spinach, and other dark leafy vegetables.
Make sure that you consume other vitamins and minerals that promote good oral health. Vitamin D, for instance, is necessary so that your body can absorb calcium properly. Consult with your dentist for more advice about nutrition and your oral health.