Calcium, Osteoporosis And Gum Disease: 4 Important Things To Know About Your Oral Health
When you think about calcium, one of the first things that pop into your mind is probably healthy, strong bones. However, calcium does a lot more than promote strong bones. In fact, the mineral has a lot to do with your teeth and overall oral health. Read on to learn more about the importance of calcium in your daily diet and how a calcium-deficient diet can lead to health issues, such as osteoporosis, and oral health problems, such as periodontal disease.
You Need Calcium to Strengthen Your Bones.
Calcium is a very important mineral that is needed to strengthen bones and teeth. It also helps to ensure the proper function of blood vessels and muscles while also helping to regulate enzymes and hormones. Calcium is important for people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens. Children need it for development and adults need it for preservation.
Lack of Calcium Can Lead to Osteoporosis and Negative Oral Health.
Studies show that Americans do not get an adequate intake of calcium. Unfortunately, this can lead to various problems, particularly osteoporosis, which can cause bones to weaken resulting in them being more prone to breaking.
Lack of adequate calcium can also negatively affect your oral health by weakening the jaw bone, which is your teeth's anchor. When the jaw becomes damaged and weak, it can result in the loss of teeth. Women are reportedly three times more at risk of losing their teeth if they have osteoporosis than women without it.
Calcium Deficiency Also Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease.
In addition to a calcium deficiency causing osteoporosis, it can also lead to the development of gum disease. Studies suggest that individuals who consumed fewer than 500 mg of calcium every day were more than 50 percent more likely to develop periodontal disease when compared to those who had at least 800 mg of the essential mineral.
Make Sure You're Getting Enough Calcium.
Depending on your age, you will need to consume anywhere between 200 mg and 1,200 mg of calcium on a daily basis. The Natural Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements has a nutritional chart showing the recommended daily intake for every age. In addition, there is a long list of calcium-rich food sources, including cheese, yogurt, milk, cabbage, broccoli and kale.
It takes a lot to keep your teeth healthy, as you need to brush and floss every day and eat the right foods. It's also vital to visit your dentist for consistent dental care. If you're concerned about developing periodontal disease or would like more information about how to keep your teeth strong and your oral health in check, speak to a local periodontist, such as Cumberland Periodontal Associate.
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