Calcium is a mineral found in many foods and beverages, and it is one of the essential nutrients your body requires in order to function properly.
You may associate calcium with bone health, but this mineral also contributes to keeping your smile healthy.
Make sure you consume at least 1000 mg of calcium each day to maintain good dental health.
You can feel more encouraged to seek this mineral out in your diet when you know more about how it enhances your smile.
Read on to learn details about the many benefits calcium brings to your oral health.
Calcium Boosts Dental Health
Calcium is one of the primary minerals that make up your enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth.
Though highly durable, enamel might sustain damage over time, often from consuming acidic foods that could erode your teeth. Once gone, your enamel will not regenerate on its own.
When you consume more calcium in your diet, this adds more protection to this layer of your teeth, making them stronger and, therefore, more resistant to potential damage.
More fortified teeth can better fight decay as well as surface stains so that they can continue looking and feeling their best.
Calcium is also known to keep bones strong and resilient as well, increasing the overall mass.
This means that you can see a healthier jawbone with a lower risk of fractures or other damage. Then, the jaw can be more effective at keeping your teeth in place.
Oral Health Risks of Calcium Deficiency
When you do not include enough calcium in your diet, your teeth cannot experience these benefits. But if your body lacks calcium, it will draw the minerals it requires from your teeth to supplement its needs.
This will leave your teeth significantly weaker and, therefore, more in danger of many dental problems.
Natural oral bacteria can more easily penetrate thin enamel, so you could be more likely to develop cavities. Calcium deficiency in the teeth can also have aesthetic effects on your smile.
The teeth might appear translucent where the enamel has thinned, or you could see white spots on the surface of the teeth.
While dentists can treat cavities and other dental issues, you should protect the natural structure of your teeth for as long as you can.
You do this by ensuring you consume enough calcium in your diet.
Stick to a Balanced Diet for a Healthy Smile
You can find the calcium you need to support your healthy smile in many types of foods. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt make great sources of calcium, but not everyone can tolerate these foods.
Broccoli, spinach, collards, and other dark leafy vegetables can also provide you with high amounts of calcium.
You should note that calcium is not the only mineral you require to keep your smile healthy. Vitamin D is necessary to help your body absorb the calcium it needs.
For optimal oral and overall health, make sure your diet is balanced and rich with various nutrients.