One of the first things people notice when they meet you is your smile. Maintaining your smile means keeping your teeth strong. Getting the right amount of different nutrients, including calcium, is important for strong teeth. Milk, which is rich in calcium, can help increase the strength of your teeth for a healthy smile.
Enamel
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, surpassing even bone. Enamel is found on the outside of teeth and is primarily what protects them from tooth decay and keeps them strong, the Crest Pro-Health website explains. Despite its strength, enamel can be worn down and eroded over time, especially in the presence of acidic or very sweet foods. Bacteria can also produce substances that damage the enamel. Enamel erosion can lead to cavities and other forms of tooth damage.
Calcium and Enamel
Since enamel is partially composed of calcium, calcium is important for maintaining the strength of enamel, especially in children. The teeth of children are still developing, so their enamel is particularly vulnerable to decay, the website of the Northwest Indiana Smile Center explains. The elderly are also at risk, BBC Health notes, because their enamel has gradually worn down over time. As a result, maintaining adequate calcium intake is especially important for these individuals.
Repair and Protection
Drinking milk is one way you can keep your teeth strong. A study published in a 1991 issue of “The American Journal of Dentistry” found that cow’s milk was able to help re-harden enamel damaged by acidic beverages, such as cola. Some of this protective effect may be due to the high concentration of calcium in milk. Some of the proteins in milk may also help protect teeth. An article in a 2004 issue of “The Journal of Nutrition” found that the proteins in milk may also be able to protect against cavities.
Calcium Needs
The amount of calcium that you need to protect your bones and teeth varies depending on your age and gender. Children and teenagers need approximately 1,300 milligrams per day, Army Medicine explains. Adults need 1,000 milligrams each day; however, pregnant women and female athletes need 1,400 milligrams each day. Army Medicine also recommends getting calcium from food sources, such as milk and other dairy products, because it is harder for the body to absorb calcium from supplements. Consume three to four servings of milk or other high-calcium foods each day to ensure you meet your needs.
For more teeth advices contact your Iowa Park Dentist. We serve patients from Iowa Park, Henrietta, Electra, Vernon, Burkburnett, Petrolia, Munday, Ancher City, Scotland, Holliday, Seymour in Texas and Randlett, Grandfield and Walters in Oklahoma.
