Strong Teeth

3 Reasons Why Calcium is a Dental Super-Mineral

January 17th, 2019

Calcium is one of the best substances to promote overall health, but it’s particularly healthy for teeth! Here’s why.

1 -  The Human Body LOVES Calcium

 

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and supports healthy bodies in many ways. Calcium is required for a healthy heart, helps with muscle function, and aides in nerve transmission. Although most of the body’s calcium is stored in teeth and bones (around 99%), it plays a large role in aiding vital bodily functions outside of teeth and bones.

2 - Calcium Helps Build Strong Teeth

 

Calcium aides in the formation of young teeth, and plays a key role in creating a healthy jaw that can support both new and adult teeth. In fact, teeth and bones are mostly made out of calcium. Both are constantly remodeling through the resorption and deposit of calcium, which means that they rely upon calcium intake to power the process that maintains healthy bones.

3 - Calcium Protects Tooth Enamel

 

Calcium is a dental super mineral because it neutralizes damaging acids and is a great enamel protector. Enamel is the first line of defense for teeth, so it’s important to keep it strong. Dairy products neutralize damaging acids that eat away teeth and are rich in casein, an enamel protecting substance.

How Much Calcium does My Child Need?

Children need calcium to develop strong teeth and bones, while adults need calcium to maintain healthy teeth and bonesYour child’s calcium intake will vary as they get older. Provided below is the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) recommended dietary allowances for children: 

0–6 months: 200 mg 

7–12 months:260 mg 

1–3 years: 700 mg  

4–8 years: 1,000 mg 

9–13 years: 1,300 mg   

14–18 years: 1,300 mg

Add Calcium to Your Family's Diet

 

 

Try to add at least one dairy product to each of your family’s meals to provide them with adequate amount of calcium. If your family does not consume dairy, try introducing some of these other calcium-rich foods: almond milk, canned fish, kale, soy yogurt or soy beans. If you’re buying packaged food as a calcium source, check the packaging to ensure that there is an adequate amount. Calcium is a fantastic mineral that’s found in a variety of foods, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a source that everyone in your family enjoys.