Want to Become a Patient? 866-938-5879 Current Patients 915-581-0500
David M. Rizk, DDS

Is Calcium Important for Teeth?

added on: May 8, 2019

foods with calciumWe make a commitment to every patient who walks through the doors of our dental office in El Paso to restore and protect both their oral and overall health. One way we can do this is to help your teeth and bones stay strong so that they can last a lifetime. One of the most significant nutrients our bodies need to keep them healthy is calcium. Let’s take a look at why it’s important in so many different ways.

Calcium Does Your Smile & Body Good

You might already know that calcium can be found in a variety of different foods and beverages. But did you know that you can also try calcium supplements (ask your doctor first) to help boost your intake? This can be a good option for people who struggle digesting dairy products that are high in calcium such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Remember that magnesium and vitamin D support calcium’s effort to protect your teeth, keep your smile free from decay, prevent, loose teeth, and ward off gum disease.

Consider adding these calcium-rich foods to your diet:

Broccoli

Kale

Almonds

Tofu

Beans

Oranges

Spinach

Sweet Potatoes

How to Know You’re Getting The Right Amount of Calcium

It can be tricky knowing if you or your family members are getting the right amount of calcium in your diet to help protect your teeth and keep your bones healthy. Your dentist in El Paso is here to help with some daily calcium recommendations courtesy of the Institute of Medicine.

AGE                    MG/DAY

1 -3                      700

4 – 8                    1,000

9 – 18                  1,300

19 – 70                1,000

71+                       1,200

This is just a general guideline for you to get an idea about daily calcium intake. There are also other recommendations that are gender specific, i.e., a woman’s calcium intake should increase when she’s pregnant.

No Bones About it – Calcium is Key to Being Healthy

We talked about it briefly earlier in this blog, but calcium is also super important for your bone health too. Why does this concern your El Paso dentist so much? Because we’re concerned about what a calcium deficiency can do to your jaw bone. Your jaw bone serves as the anchor for your teeth, so if it’s in poor health, you could run the risk of having loose teeth or losing them altogether. The other bones in your body also need calcium to help prevent damaging osteoporosis later in life.

We hope you learned a little something here today about how important it is to get the right amount of calcium in your diet, no matter what your age. It’s a benefit that your whole body will thank you for. If you have any questions about your smile or need to schedule a visit with us, please don’t hesitate to call.

About The Author
Dr. David M. Rizk

Dr. David M. Rizk, recognized as the Best Dentist in America in 2004-2005, focuses on treating patients who have given up on their dental care. He is a member of several dental organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute. He obtained fellowship accreditation from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is a fellow at the Misch International Implant Institute. Dr. Rizk contributes to different dental journals, being an expert in his field.


What Patients Are Saying

From Our Blog

Dec9

Do Smart Toothbrushes Really Improve Oral Health?

It seems like everything nowadays is smart. Smartphones, smartwatches, and now, even smart toothbrushes. From tracking how long you brush to making sure you’re using the right pressure, smart toothbrushes promise a high-tech approach to better oral hygiene. But does the added cost of these devices really offset how much... Read More...

Nov20

Strengthen Your Immune System Through Good Oral Hygiene

During cold and flu season, many of us are searching for ways to stay healthy. One of the best strategies that may surprise you is maintaining proper oral hygiene! The truth is that your mouth plays a significant role in your overall health, and taking care of your teeth and... Read More...