Calcium and stronger teeth

Calcium is a mineral that most people think about in relation to bones.  Teeth and dental health are also closely related to calcium.  Teeth are bones that are more dense than the rest of your skeletal bones.  You need to make sure that you have enough calcium when your teeth are developing and throughout your life as your teeth continue to grow and need calcium.

As an infant and youth, you will need calcium for your teeth to fully develop.  About one third of your body's bones and teeth are made of calcium.  A shortage of calcium and effect how well your teeth develop.  Your last teeth are developing as late as your early twenties.  Milk and dairy products are nature's most concentrated source of calcium, so two to three servings a day help supply the necessary calcium for building strong, dense bones.  Hence, you will want to receive a healthy supply of calcium during year development years.

After all of your teeth are in, you will want to maintain your calcium intake because calcium may also help protect them against decay.  Bones are living tissue and will need to be taken care of properly.  During your development years calcium is deposited in them.  After this period you will no longer have calcium deposited in these bones, but you will want to make sure your body doesn't want for calcium in other areas and need to pull the calcium from your teeth or bones.

A lot of people do not get enough calcium in their diet.  The body will automatically leech calcium from your bones in order to make up for this deficiency.  Teeth are part of your bones and they will also be leeched for their calcium.  When this happens, you are more likely to get cavities and to have trouble with your teeth.

Many people take some type of calcium supplement in order to prevent these things from happening.  You will find many types of calcium supplements in your grocery or drug store.  Not all vitamins are created equal, so you may want to do a little research to find which calcium supplements will be most beneficial.  Vitamin D will help your body absorb the calcium better.  If the body is able to absorb enough calcium, then you may be able to prevent most of the bone loss in your body.

Weight bearing activities will cause new bone tissue to form, which makes bones stronger.  This kind of physical activity also makes muscles stronger.  When muscles push and tug against bones during physical activity, bones and muscles both become stronger.  Weight-bearing activities are those that keep you active and on your feet so that your legs carry your body.  Hence, swimming may be good exercise, but does not build bones.

This logic is also true for your mouth.  You must use your jaw bones and muscles to build them properly.  Calcium is important for you entire skeleton and that includes your jaw.  When a person loses their teeth and begin to wear dentures, jaw will begin to shrink because it is no longer being used in the same weight-bearing activities.  Hence, you will need to continue to use your jaw and teeth in order to keep them healthy. 
 
In summary, calcium is essential for a strong jaw and teeth.  You will need to make sure that you are your family have enough calcium during the development years and enough calcium to prevent any leeching from the bones.  Calcium can also help prevent tooth decay and will be a great asset in providing a healthy smile.  Many people decide calcium supplements are needed to get the proper minerals in their diet.