Your diet plays a vital role in maintaining strong oral health. When the dentist recommends you drop the high sugar content, it is because sugar is damaging to your teeth. Instead of sugar, your tooth enamel needs certain minerals to perform demineralization. One of those minerals is calcium. Here, we explain to you why calcium is important to oral health, and why you should begin to eat foods that contain it.
Not only for adults, but children as well will benefit from calcium intake. The amount of calcium in the body depends on your age. Adolescents and teenagers require 1300 milligrams a day, with adults needing slightly less than 1000 milligrams a day.
There are many plant-based foods you can eat to get enough calcium into your system.
So, why is calcium important to oral health?
Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the human body, with most calcium being food in your teeth and bones. Calcium, along with phosphate, combine together to harden your tooth structure so your teeth can be protected from any chemicals and bacteria. One important thing you need to be aware of something that’s known as a calcium deficiency.
Calcium deficiency is when low levels of calcium (deficiency) are found in the body. When calcium levels are too low, this can lead to osteoporosis and fragile bones. You will begin to feel the symptoms of a calcium deficiency through muscle aches and cramps and fatigue. Over time, these will cause further health issues.
Calcium levels are compromised as the body ages, and incorporating calcium-rich foods become all the more important. When calcium levels reduce, your teeth are in danger of becoming weak and brittle, with a higher chance of them falling out. High calcium levels also protect teeth from bacteria. Therefore, the more calcium you consume, the stronger your teeth will become.
Which calcium-foods can I eat?
There are many foods that contain high sources of calcium that you can eat. Ensure that you’re replacing sugar with the foods we’ve picked out below, and not keeping your sugar levels high as well.
- Dairy Products – Foods such as cheese, milk and yoghurt contains approximately 80 milligrams (mg) of calcium.
- Leafy Green Vegetables – Add spinach, kale, broccoli and celery to your diet. Not only do they contain calcium, but they’re also beneficial for raising saliva levels.
- Sweet Potato – Sweet potato can enjoyed as part of a healthy meal as it contains at least 40 milligrams (mg) of calcium.
- Fish – Fish such as sardines and salmon not only contain calcium but also provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Nuts – Nuts, almonds, in particular, is amongst the highest in calcium as well as magnesium and healthy fats. Enjoy nuts as a snack or incorporate them into a meal.
If you want to seek professional advice about calcium foods for strong teeth, or generally want to learn more about keeping your teeth healthy, why get your teeth checked with our professional dentists today? Book yourself in with us here.
