Approximately 75 percent of adult living in the United States will suffer from gum disease, meaning an inflammation and infection of the gums, according to Children's Hospital Boston. The importance of your gums extends far outside your mouth. Chronic gum disease increases your risk of a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Calcium is one nutrient that can help promote gum health.
Calcium
Calcium is an mineral that is essential and needs to be obtained from the diet. Although famous for building strong bones, calcium performs a number of crucial functions in the body, including nerve conduction, muscle contraction and the production of hormones. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, adult men and women should opt to consume 1,000 milligrams of daily calcium.
Evidence
Research published in the June 2000 issue of the "Journal of Periodontology" investigated the influence of dietary calcium intake and gum disease. The scientists discovered an 84 percent higher risk of gum disease in those who consumed less than 499 mg of calcium per day when compared to those who consumed at least 800 mg of daily calcium. Another research study published in the January 2008 edition of the "Journal of Periodontology" found that intake of calcium-rich dairy products was associated with positive markers of gum health, including a gum's attachment to a tooth.
Mechanisms
Calcium promotes the health of your gums by strengthening the alveolar -- the jaw bone that connects to your teeth and gums. If the alveolar bone becomes weakened -- which is common in those with osteoporosis -- the link between it and your gums becomes weakened. A loose gum line makes your gums more susceptible to bacterial infection. Also, calcium promotes strong, healthy teeth. Strong teeth are less likely to suffer form dental cavities, which are a risk factor for gum disease.
Warnings
If you have gum disease, talk to your dentist about treatment options. Before taking calcium supplements or consuming large amounts of dietary calcium, check with your doctor to ensure that it's right for you. Healthy sources of dietary calcium include sardines, kale, low-fat yogurt and milk, kefir, kidney beans and tofu. Other ways to keep your gums healthy include adequate oral hygiene, consuming a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and visiting a dentist at least twice yearly.
References
- Children's Hospital Boston.org: Periodontal Disease
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- "Journal of Periodontology"; Calcium and the Risk For Periodontal Disease; M. Nishida, et al.; June 2000
- "Journal of Periodontology"; Intake of Dairy Products and Periodontal Disease: The Hisayama Study; Y. Shimazaki, et al.; January 2008
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