Calcium is an important mineral that everyone needs to stay healthy. Most everyone knows that getting an adequate daily intake of calcium is good for your bones. However, did you know that getting enough calcium is also vitally important for maintaining good dental health? That is because according to the National Institutes of Health, 99% of the body’s calcium reserves are stored in bones and the teeth. Calcium is and important mineral that promotes strong teeth and bones.
Not getting enough calcium in your diet can weaken the structure of your teeth and can also make you more at risk for developing periodontal disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. So, what is the recommended daily intake of calcium for the average person? The answer is that it depends on your age and your gender. For men and women ages 19-50 years, the daily recommended calcium intake is 1000 mg. For women between the ages of 51-70, the daily recommended calcium intake is 1200 mg. For men of the same age group, the daily recommended intake is 1000 mg.
How can we get an adequate amount of calcium into our diet? The best way is to eat a wide variety of foods that are rich in calcium such as milk, yogurt, cheese, dark leafy greens, legumes and certain types of fruit. There are also a number of foods that are enriched with calcium including orange juice, breads and cereals. If you are not able to get an adequate supply of calcium into your system through your diet, your doctor may recommend that you take a daily calcium supplement. Your doctor can recommend the correct dose to meet your needs.
If you want to have good dental health in the future, it is important to get an adequate intake of calcium today. The next time you are at the grocery store, make sure that you pick up some calcium-rich foods. Your teeth will thank you!
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