Is Taking Calcium Supplements Beneficial For Your Teeth?

Posted on: 18 August 2016

Calcium is an important mineral for the body. It helps to build strong teeth and bones. Is it possible to help your teeth by taking calcium supplements on a daily basis? Here's a look at the facts surrounding the supplements.

The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Says Yes

Back in 2000, WebMD reported that Toronto's American Society for Bone and Mineral Research conducted a study to see how calcium and vitamin D supplements would help. While they helped to protect from bone loss, the study also showed the supplements could help to prevent tooth loss.

This doesn't remove the need to brush and floss your teeth. It is still important to protect them from bacteria growth, as the supplements protect against tooth loss. This is especially the case for older people, who suffer the most from a lack of calcium absorption.

Calcium Can Repair Enamel

There is still no proof that the calcium supplements can rebuild teeth, but it can help to protect the teeth from further damage. Some forms of calcium placed directly on the teeth can repair enamel.

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) is one of the most beneficial options when placed directly on the teeth. It recalcifies the enamel, helping to repair it after damage has occurred. It will also help to attract fluoride to the teeth, meaning the enamel gets extra protection against plaque, bacteria, and acid in the mouth.

There are other links that show ACP helps to reduce sensitivity. This is because it helps to restore the enamel, so the nerves in the teeth aren't exposed.

Due to the benefits, some toothpaste manufacturers now put ACP as an active ingredient in their products. It is also included in many vanishes and whitening products.

Avoid Over Supplementation

Supplements should be used to help reach the daily recommended amounts of calcium. There is a risk of over supplementation. In 2012, a study showed that there was absolutely no benefit in old adults when taking more than the recommended allowance. While this was focused on hip and lumbar vertebral bone mineral density, the assumptions were also applied to other bones and tooth health.

There are also health risks associated with taking calcium supplements, including heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It is possible to get the daily recommended amount of calcium from food.

Is it possible to benefit from taking calcium supplements? There are some studies that show the teeth will benefit and calcium is now added to many products. However, you do need to be aware of over supplementation and the health risks to doing this.

Visit a site like http://northwestdental.com/ for more information. 

Share