Brushing and flossing twice daily can help you prevent common oral concerns, such as cavities or gum disease. But did you know your diet also significantly impacts your dental condition?
For instance, consuming foods high in calcium can help support strong teeth and bones. However, if you’re unsure of how much you need each day, you might develop a deficiency. This can weaken your enamel and increase your vulnerability to tooth decay or injuries. Continue reading to learn more about the recommended daily intake and how you can incorporate more calcium into your diet!
What is Calcium?
Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral essential for the growth of healthy bones and enamel. It’s a key component in building happy, healthy teeth that are resilient enough to resist damage and decay.
Unfortunately, the human body does not produce this building block on its own, but it can be absorbed from foods in the digestive tract. That means you must include certain foods in your daily diet to maintain the density of your bones and enamel. For instance, dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are often rich in calcium. It’s also found in certain leafy greens, vegetables, and other fortified foods.
How Much Calcium Do I Need Each Day?
The recommended daily value for calcium intake can vary from person to person because it depends significantly on factors unique to you, such as your age and gender. Although it might differ somewhat based on your individual chemistry, the FDA recommends the following daily values:
Children
- 1 to 3 years old: 700 mg
- 4to 8 years old: 1,000 mg
- 9 to 18 years old: 1,300 mg
Adults
- 19 to 50 years old: 1,000 mg
- 51 to 70 years old: 1,000 mg for men and 1,200 mg for women
- 70+ years old: 1,200 mg
How Can I Improve My Calcium Intake?
Are you curious whether you’re consuming enough calcium every day? To give you an idea of how much is required, a single eight-ounce glass of milk contains about 300 mg of this key ingredient. That means adults aged 19 to 50 would need to drink 3 to 4 glasses of milk each day to reach the recommended value.
However, if you’re lactose intolerant or don’t enjoy drinking milk, you can incorporate more greens and vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, or collard greens. The latter provides about 268 mg of calcium per cup, or almost as much as in a glass of milk.
If you’re concerned that your teeth have been negatively affected by a calcium deficiency, your dentist can examine your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment. For instance, topical fluoride can remineralize your enamel to fortify this protective outer layer.
About the Practice
At Klein Family Dentistry, you and your loved ones benefit from two dedicated dentists eager to help you build beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Klein and Dr. Miller share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a complete menu of services conveniently under one roof. Whether you need a checkup and cleaning or are worried about injured enamel, they can provide customized treatments using state-of-the-art equipment for improved comfort and enhanced accuracy. You can request an appointment on the website or call (717) 652-6644.