You probably already know calcium intake is essential for strong bones. In fact, along with Vitamin D and phosphorus, calcium strengthens teeth and help gums resist periodontal disease.
Calcium plays a role in making jaw bones healthy and strong and hold the teeth in place. However, calcium needs phosphorus to maximise its bone strengthening benefits. Children’s teeth need adequate calcium and phosphorus to form a hard structure during growth.
And the reverse appears to be true: researchers have determined that a low calcium intake may be a risk factor for periodontal disease. For men and women aged 20-39 years, a below-normal calcium intake was “significantly related” to gum disease, even after adjustment for other risk factors. So, go get your calcium, vitamin D and Phosphorus.
- Calcium—Dairy products, cheese and yoghurt, brown rice, oranges, cabbage, beans, broccoli, salmon, peas.
- Vitamin D— Natural sunlight, dairy products, eggs, some cereals, oily fish (tuna, sardines etc).
- Phosphorus—Cereals, wheat germ, soya beans, almonds and other nuts, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, grapes, citrus fruit, cucumbers, tomatoes.
Calcium. It does a body (not to mention gums) good.
