More than half of all adults living in the United States suffer from gingivitis -- a form of periodontal disease -- according to a report published in 2002 by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Periodontal disease is a serious medical condition that can cause bleeding gums and boost the risk of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Calcium is an essential mineral that may make your mouth more resistant to periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease occurs when your gums become inflamed in response to an infection from certain strains of bacteria that live in your mouth. When your teeth accumulates too much plaque, it irritates and weakens the gums surrounding your teeth -- making them more susceptible to infection. Those at heightened risk of periodontal disease include older adults, smokers, pregnant women and individuals with diabetes.
Calcium
You have more calcium in your body than any other single mineral, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary sources of calcium include spinach, soy products, cheese, yogurt and turnips. Adult men and women need to consume 1,000 mg of calcium per day. While most of your body's calcium is stored in your skeleton, calcium is also required for the health of your teeth and the jaw bone -- known as the alveolar -- that supports them.
Connection
A research review published in the September 2005 "Journal of Periodontology" notes that calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are common. Also, a deficiency in either of these two important nutrients can contribute to alveolar bone loss and inflammation -- two factors that make your gums weak and vulnerable to bacterial assault. Additionally, the paper notes that calcium and vitamin D supplements have been effective at significantly minimizing periodontal disease risk in deficient individuals. However, research linking calcium supplementation without vitamin D to periodontal disease is not conclusive.
Considerations
Because periodontal disease is a serious oral health issue, it should be treated by a trained dentist. Before taking calcium supplements, check with your doctor to make sure that they are safe for you. Other ways you can minimize periodontal disease include practicing adequate oral hygiene, twice-annual visits to your dentist and abstaining from tobacco use.
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