Calcium is one of the essential minerals your body needs to function efficiently. You might think of bone health when you consider calcium, but this nutrient plays a crucial role in your oral health as well.
You should consume at least 1000 mg of calcium every day to maintain good dental health. When you know about the benefits of this mineral, you can feel more encouraged to include it in your diet. Read to discover details about the importance of calcium in relation to your smile.
Calcium Increases Tooth Strength
Calcium is one of the primary components that make up your enamel, the outermost layer of your tooth. Enamel is durable but could sustain damage over time, often from the acidic materials you might regularly consume. Once deteriorated, enamel does not regrow on its own.
Consuming calcium will add more protection to this outer layer of your teeth, making enamel stronger and more capable of resisting potential structural dental damage. Teeth fortified with calcium can better fight decay and surface stains, so your teeth can appear more beautiful too.
Calcium will also keep your bones healthy, so you can see a healthier jawbone when you include plenty of calcium in your diet too. As a result, you can lower your risk of jaw fractures, and the teeth will be more likely to remain in place in your strong and stable jaw.
Oral Health Dangers of Calcium Deficiency
If you do not consume enough calcium, your teeth will miss out on these highly beneficial effects. But when your body lacks calcium, it will draw minerals from another source, like your teeth, in order to supplement its needs. Then your teeth will be significantly weaker and therefore more vulnerable to dental dangers.
Natural oral bacteria can then more easily penetrate the weakened enamel, putting you at a higher risk of forming cavities. Calcium deficiency in the teeth can also leave you with aesthetic changes in your smile. The teeth may appear translucent where enamel has thinned, and you may notice white spots on the surface of your teeth.
Dentists can treat cavities and other dental problems, but you should preserve the natural structure of your teeth as long as you can. This means consuming enough calcium in your diet to sustain healthy enamel.
Balanced Diets Lead to Healthy Smiles
Many foods contain the calcium you need to keep your teeth as well as the rest of your body healthy. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese make great sources of calcium, but not everyone can tolerate these food items. Spinach, broccoli, and other dark and leafy vegetables can also provide you with calcium.
Calcium is not the only mineral you need for strong and healthy teeth. Vitamin D helps your body absorb necessary calcium, so consume plenty of this as well. For optimal oral health, stick to a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Learn more by asking your dentist about how diet influences your smile at your next appointment.