“Milk helps build strong bones” is a phrase that absolutely everyone heard throughout the 90s. Milk, along with other dairy products, also provides important support for your teeth largely because it is rich in calcium. This all-important mineral not only ensures you have strong enamel, but can go a long way in preventing a multitude of dental issues down the line. Here’s why snacking on items like cheese, yogurt, and almonds is a great choice for your smile!
Calcium & Oral Health: Two Peas in a Pod
Calcium plays a key role in your body’s ability to maintain strong teeth, ensuring that your enamel is more resistant to the acids produced by oral bacteria reacting to what you eat. Over time, this can lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and ultimately tooth loss!
But of course, your teeth are firmly rooted in your jaw. In addition to reducing tooth loss, calcium keeps your jawbone nice and dense by preventing the bone loss that naturally occurs as you age. This gives your teeth a stable foundation with the added perk of helping you maintain a strong, eye-catching jawline.
And most calcium-rich items tend to not have a lot of sugar. Lowering the amount of added sugars you eat each day can go a long way in preventing decay, oral infections, and even bad breath! The final perk is that they help you feel full while eating a reasonable amount of calories, which is great for weight management.
Your Next Trip to the Store
Thankfully, you’ll find a lot of calcium in many items beyond well-known ones like milk, cheese, and yogurt:
- Canned fish (sardines and salmon)
- Seeds (poppy, sesame, and chia)
- Dark leafy greens (kale and spinach)
- Almonds
- Beans (white, navy, and edamame)
- Tofu
What About Calcium Supplements?
According to the National Institutes of Health, an adult between the ages of 19 to 50 should ideally consume about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. While eating calcium is always the best option for a multitude of reasons, if you choose to use a calcium supplement instead, make sure you read the label closely. Not all calcium supplements are created equal, so doing a little research online will ensure what you’re taking actually contains the amount of the mineral you’re paying for.
No matter your dietary preferences, there’s bound to be a calcium-rich food that you like. Whether you have a glass of milk like in the old commercials or munch on some almonds throughout the day, your future self (and full smile) will be glad you did!
About the Author
Dr. Rob McVety earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He strives to empower his patients with education about how to take care of their teeth at home in addition to offering a broad range of services in his Falmouth dental office. To learn more about how your diet affects your oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. McVety, visit his website or call (207) 517-7008.