Joy Lunan DDS News

March, 2017

Them Bones, Them Bones…

Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth! You've heard it before,

but how much calcium are you actually getting? 

An extremely important mineral for dental and overall health, calcium aids

in preventing dental problems and osteoporosis. Actually, 99 percent of

the calcium found in our bodies is located in our bones and teeth! But

calcium does so much more -- it also helps with blood clotting, sending

nerve signals, releasing hormones and enzymes, as well as muscle and

blood vessel contraction and relaxation.

Much like we change our hairstyles or clothes to resemble the latest

fashions, our bones are constantly reinventing themselves. Our bones

are continuously undergoing a process called resorption, which is the

breakdown of bone tissue. When bone is lost, calcium is deposited to

help new bone form. In order to best utilize new bone formation, calcium

needs to be taken continuously, and over a long period of time.

As we age, we tend to lose more bone, and it becomes harder for calcium

to keep up with our changing bodies. If there's not a significant amount of

calcium, our bones can become brittle and porous in old age. The weaker

our skeletal systems, the greater our chances of ending up with bone

fractures or jaw deterioration, which leads to tooth loss. And the more the

jaw deteriorates, the harder it is for your mouth to support dental

restorations, such as dental implants and dentures.

Calcium is equally important to your periodontal health! According to the

American Academy of Periodontology, a diet low in calcium can increase

your chances of getting gum disease. An infection caused by bacteria

that attack your gums, periodontal disease will eventually break down

your gum tissue and destroy the surrounding bone. As calcium supports

your jawbone, it strengthens it against the bacteria that lead to gum

disease and eventual tooth loss. Combined with gum disease treatment,

a significant calcium intake can prevent gum disease from progressing.

Consuming at least three servings of calcium-laden foods will help you

meet your daily requirements.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns we are just a 

phone call away. (203)598-7920 Please don’t ever hesitate to call.