Calcium & Toothaches

An estimated 99 percent of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. When you experience a toothache, increasing your intake of this important mineral can help to soothe the irritated nerves and relieve pain. Knowing how calcium can help --- and when you should see a physician --- can help to relieve your tooth pain.

Calcium Significance

Calcium is a mineral the body utilizes to keep the heart beating and the bones strong, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Calcium also is a key mineral in tooth formation, giving strength and stability to the teeth, according to "Reader's Digest" magazine. For this reason, you need to consume enough calcium on a daily basis to continue to strengthen the teeth.

Causes

A toothache can be the result of a number of occurrences, some which require medical treatments. Toothaches often are caused by bacteria buildup in the body that forms plaque that leads to tooth decay, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other causes include infection, which results in bacteria entering and infecting the inner portions of the tooth. This can cause swelling, redness and tooth pain. If your toothache is accompanied by these symptoms or you have a fever, difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing, seek medical treatment. However, more mild symptoms may be relieved with over-the-counter remedies, including calcium.

Treatments

In addition to strengthening the teeth, calcium can have positive effects in treating a toothache, according to Dr. Richard D. Fischer, an Annandale, Virginia, dentist interviewed on "New Choices in Natural Healing." Dr. Fischer says consuming calcium can have a soothing effect. When you first experience toothache symptoms, take 500 mg of calcium coupled with 200 to 300 mg of magnesium, another mineral that can be taken in combination with calcium for beneficial effects.

Dietary Sources

Dietary sources of calcium are better absorbed by the body than supplementation, meaning you should consume food sources whenever possible. Calcium is found in high levels in dairy products. For example, an 8 oz. plain, low-fat yogurt contains 415 mg of calcium, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Other high-calcium dairy foods include milk, cheese, cottage cheese and ice cream. Non-dairy sources, including sardines, fortified orange juice, tofu, spinach and salmon also contain calcium.

Warning

While calcium can be used to relieve your toothache, consuming too much calcium can have negative effects, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Known as hypercalcemia, this occurs when you consume more than 2,500 mg per day. When treating your toothache, avoid consuming so much calcium that you experience adverse symptoms. Too much calcium can affect your kidney's ability to work well and reduce your body's ability to absorb other needed minerals, including zinc, magnesium and phosphorus. Although severe symptoms are rarely caused by dietary intake, it's still a good idea to stick to recommended values, which are 1,000 mg per day for men and women ages 19 to 50 years old.