The foods you eat can affect your overall health in a variety of ways. As such, if you want to take good care of your smile, your preventive dentist recommends that you start consuming more foods that promote oral health – and that means paying attention to your calcium intake. Why is calcium so important for your grin? The answer can be found below, along with some examples of foods that can help you get the calcium you need.
What’s the Link Between Calcium and Oral Health?
Your teeth are protected by enamel, which is the strongest substance in your body. However, exposure to acid produced by bacteria can leave your enamel weakened, thus increasing your chances of developing cavities. Luckily, calcium can repair and strengthen your enamel, thus improving the protection that it offers your teeth. If you want to keep your smile in excellent shape, getting your daily dose of calcium is a must.
How Much Calcium Do You Need?
The answer to this question is not set in stone; after all, everybody has different nutritional needs to consider. That being said, if you are between the ages of 19 and 50, you can generally expect to need around 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Your regular doctor can give you a more personalized recommendation based on the current state of your health and other factors.
What Should You Eat to Get More Calcium?
The good news is that there is no shortage of calcium-rich foods to choose from. Here are some particularly good examples:
- Milk: When you think calcium, milk likely comes to mind immediately. A single glass of milk contains around 200 milligrams of calcium.
- Cheese: Cheese of all kinds tends to be a good source of calcium, but parmesan, Romano, Gruyere, and goat cheese are particularly beneficial.
- Yogurt: Like other dairy products, yogurt is a reliable source of calcium. In fact, as much as 296 milligrams of calcium can be found in just one cup of whole-milk yogurt.
- Canned Fish: You may not realize it, but canned sardines and salmon are actually excellent choices when it comes to calcium-rich foods.
- Dark Leafy Greens: Calcium is just one of the many nutrients that can be found in dark leafy greens like kale and spinach.
- Almonds: Are you looking for a snack that will help give you a boost of calcium? Almonds can be a great choice, containing around 75 milligrams of calcium in each ounce.
Your diet can make all the difference for your oral health. Are you getting the right amount of calcium for your smile? If you’re not sure, you can always talk to your dentist to see if they have any tips regarding your diet.
About the Author
Dr. Pankti Patel went to the NYU College of Dentistry. She currently serves as a Captain and dentist in the US Army Reserves. At her Oak Point practice, The Elegant Dentistry, she brings her patients high-quality care that takes their unique preferences and goals into account. She offers many services, from routine checkups and cleanings to tooth-saving restorative treatments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Pankti, visit her website or call (469) 598-1023.