Dentist explained the effect of calcium on teeth

Calcium intake does not strengthen tooth enamel, despite its importance for bones. Dental strength is largely determined by genetics and is formed in childhood. However, during adolescence, nutrition really affects the quality of enamel. Irina Kornilina, Chief physician of the EUROKAPPA Scientific and Clinical Center, told Izvestia on April 11 about how calcium affects the condition of the enamel and roots of teeth.

The expert explained that in adults, calcium intake no longer affects the enamel. Some studies show that calcium supplements may reduce the risk of tooth loss in the elderly. For example, in a study published in The American Journal of Medicine, involving 145 people over the age of 65, it turned out that those who took calcium had better teeth. However, these data require further confirmation.

During bite correction, patients often think about additional dental support. Nevertheless, as Irina Kornilina explains, taking calcium during this period is not always justified.

"At the stage of active tooth movement, excessive strengthening of bone tissue can even complicate the correction process. And at the retention stage, when the teeth are fixed in a new position, retention is provided not by the bone itself, but by the periodontal ligaments. They consist of connective tissue, which means that calcium does not affect them in any way," the doctor explained.

Although calcium is important for bones, taking it does not strengthen tooth enamel, and during orthodontic treatment it does not affect the movement of teeth and their fixation. A balanced diet is more important for dental health than taking supplements.

"We do not recommend that patients take calcium supplements on their own during or after treatment. Such appointments must be justified by a doctor, and there is no evidence base for this in orthodontics yet," Kornilina summed up.

Earlier, on April 7, Artyom Baryshev, a neurologist and chiropractor at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia what the danger of morning jaw pain is. He explained that due to the habit of using only one side of the jaw for chewing, a joint may develop a disorder that eventually leads to chronic inflammation. A particular danger, according to the neurologist, is involuntary gnashing of teeth — bruxism, which causes the destruction of tooth enamel and a change in the position of teeth.