Your child’s teeth have been forming since they were still snuggled up in the womb. Isn’t it amazing to think about? This is one reason why doctors advise women to take prenatal vitamins that include adequate amounts of calcium. Calcium is a mineral that is essential to healthy teeth, bones, and muscles. You see, calcium is an important part of the healthy formation and maintenance of both teeth and bone. In fact, these areas are where most of the body’s stores of calcium are contained.
The Role of Calcium in Tooth Development
In conjunction with Vitamin D3, calcium plays a huge role in both the development and overall health of dental enamel. The body stores most of its calcium within your teeth and bones. In fact, the body is constantly replenishing your calcium stores with the calcium rich food and vegetables that you eat.
While it’s true that your child’s teeth have been forming since before they were born, it’s also true that their adult teeth are continuing to be formed in childhood. The mineralization process, the process by which teeth become stronger with the help of calcium, continues well into adolescence. This is why an adequate intake of calcium is so important during childhood.
Does Calcium Strengthen Teeth for Children?
Absolutely! It is extremely important that you child eat a variety of calcium-rich foods and dairy products. Make sure that your child eats cheese, yogurt, and milk without any added sugar.
If your child has a dairy allergy, there’s good news. Leafy greens such as kale, collard greens and broccoli, among others, all contain calcium. Beans and peas also contain calcium as do certain types of fish, such as salmon.
Do you have a finicky eater at home? A fantastic way to ensure sure your youngster is getting enough calcium is through vitamin supplements. Make sure that the vitamin supplement you select for your child has vitamin D3, as this vitamin aids in our bodies' improved absorption of calcium. To be sure your child is getting enough vitamin calcium, speak with your pediatrician. Keep in mind that gummy vitamins are quite sticky and frequently include a lot of sugar. If your child takes gummy vitamins, be careful to practice excellent dental hygiene.
Calcium is Important
In addition to healthy teeth and bones, calcium also plays an important role in muscle and blood vessel health. Having an adequate amount of calcium in your body minimizes the threat of osteoporosis in adulthood. Set your child up for a lifetime of strong bones and healthy teeth by making sure they have a calcium-rich diet.
