Q: Is it
important to take calcium for my teeth?
A: Yes,
calcium is an important mineral that the body needs to keep our teeth
(and bones) strong and healthy. Babies and young children need
calcium so that they can develop strong teeth. Once the teeth have
been fully formed, additional calcium is not needed to maintain
healthy teeth.
At various
age groups, different intake of calcium level is required. For
adults, the recommended daily intake is generally 1000mg.
These can
be derived from foods such as:
dairy
products that include milk, yoghurt, cheese;
vegetables
like spinach and kale;
soybean;
certain
fishes like sardine, salmon; and
calcium-fortified
cereal, oatmeal.
What
is more important for the maintenance of healthy teeth is a diet with
a reduced quantity and frequency of sugar intake and an effective
oral hygiene regime. A general rule of thumb that I share with
patients is 2-2-2, brush two times each day, for at least two minutes
each and visit your dentist two times a year. Flossing at least once
per day will clean in between the teeth where a brush won’t reach.
These good oral hygiene habits help to keep dental plaque at bay and
allows dental issues (if any), to be picked up by your dental
professional in a timely manner and preventing it from developing
into serious problems.
Dr Steven Soo is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He was formerly a Clinical Lecturer at the Eastman Dental Institute and Clinical Teacher at the GKT Dental Institute, both of which are affiliated with the University of London. Dr Soo has a special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.
www.specialistdentalgroup.com | 6733 7883
Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS).
CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.
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