Having strong teeth is essential in maintaining your overall health. Our oral health plays a vital role in keeping our other organs safe from bacteria and germs. That’s why it’s important to know the vitamins and minerals that could make our teeth strong and healthy. Calcium for teeth is one of the most important minerals that retains our teeth’ health and stability. Most dentists recommend frequent consumption of calcium-rich foods for dental health purposes. If you want healthy teeth, visit Maroondah Dental Care in Croydon today.
Calcium For Teeth Strengthening
A huge part of calcium in the body can be found in our teeth and bones. Apart from its teeth strengthening components, calcium is also essential in blood vessels, fluids, and muscle functions. Our body needs a sufficient amount of calcium for it to function properly. Not having enough minerals will eventually cause complications that would affect our oral health tremendously.
Calcium is mostly recommended for children as their teeth and bones are still in the process of development. But that does not mean that adults are exempt. Adults need calcium in order to maintain the health of their teeth and skeleton. Sadly, a huge part of the worldwide population does not get the recommended amount of calcium. This is probably the reason why the rate of osteoporosis patients is growing year by year.
The amount of calcium that we need differs from age. Pregnant women are advised to consult their physicians regarding their concerns about calcium intake.
Based on age, this is the recommended calcium intake:
- 0 to 12 months- 200-260mg
- 1 to 3 years- 700mg
- 4 to 8 years- 1000mg
- 9 to 18 years- 1300mg
- 19 to 71 years- 1000mg
- 71 years above- 1200mg
Other Vitamins And Minerals
The key to maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth is ensuring that you consume enough nutrients that you need. Below are the most important vitamins and minerals that you need to achieve optimum oral health.
- Potassium. Potassium plays a role in regulating blood acidity. Acidic blood could remove the calcium from the teeth and cause them to weaken. Furthermore, potassium-rich resources can help the calcium in your body become more efficient.
- Vit. D. Vitamin D is also a huge oral health saver. It provides support to calcium absorption and works hand-in-hand with calcium to keep the teeth strong and protected from tooth decay.
- Vitamin K2. This vitamin activates the protein osteocalcin, a protein hormone that supports bone metabolism and the development of dentin in the teeth. It works with Vit. D3 to make sure that the calcium in your teeth is absorbed properly.
- Vitamin A. Vit. A is responsible for gum’s health and tooth enamel. Tooth enamel has keratin that requires Vitamin A for its shaping process.
- Vitamin C. This vitamin is needed as it provides support to the gums and soft tissues in the mouth. It is an important component that helps your mouth combat gingivitis or gum disease.
- Phosphorus. Just like calcium, phosphorus is one of the topmost minerals that you need to keep your teeth and bone strength. It has a significant impact on the health and functionality of your jawbone. About 85% of phosphorus in your body can be found in the teeth and bones.
Benefits of Strong Teeth
Consuming foods and resources that are rich in calcium and other minerals has great effects on your teeth and bones. Not only that it will protect you from certain diseases but it will also encourage you to live your best life without worries.
Below are the astounding benefits you will get from having strong teeth:
- Self-confidence. You won’t have to worry about tooth loss if you have healthy teeth. Losing a tooth can be a total downer that affects your self-esteem.
- Fresher breath. Healthy teeth mean fresher breath. This is an indication that your teeth are free from bacteria that cause a bad odor.
- Better aesthetics. Let’s face it, first impressions matter. That is why we try to look our best all the time. A good set of teeth is essential to keep one of your best assets brighter, your smile.
- Lower risk of dental problems. Healthy teeth literally mean a lower chance of getting gum disease and other dental issues.
Calcium-Rich Foods
Calcium poses many other benefits aside from its ability to strengthen teeth and bones. It also helps in controlling muscle contractions and making sure that blood clots normally.
Below is a list of calcium-rich natural resources:
- Dairy foods such as milk and cheese
- Green leafy vegetables
- Soya beverages with extra calcium
- Bread, or any food that contains fortified flour
- Fish with soft bones like sardines
Calcium Deficiency
Hypocalcemia is the medical term used for calcium deficiency. As mentioned, it has several roles in maintaining your body’s health. Lack of calcium could result in certain complications and could be life-threatening if left neglected.
Normally, calcium deficiency does not show any symptoms in its early stages. However, the condition gets worse over time, and without treatment, serious health problems could arise.
Here are the common complications due to calcium hypocalcemia:
- Muscle issues. This often occurs with muscle cramps, aches, and spams. Other symptoms also include pain in the hands, arms, legs, and thighs.
- Weakened teeth and bones. If the body is not supplied with enough calcium, it will automatically get the mineral from teeth and bones. When this happens, your bones and teeth will gradually become weak making it vulnerable to tooth decay and gum diseases.
- Severe fatigue. Lack of calcium could result in the severe and frequent occurrence of fatigue. This usually comes with low energy levels and insomnia.
- Skin and nail problems. Calcium also contributes to the health of your skin and nails. Without it, skin dryness, weak nails, coarse hair, alopecia, and eczema might emerge.
- Osteoporosis. Low levels of calcium will most probably cause osteoporosis. A condition where the bones become thin, weak, and vulnerable to injuries. It also affects your posture and stance.
