You’ve probably heard of calcium and the role it plays in our bone health, but did you know it is crucial for keeping our teeth strong, too?

Calcium is a mineral our bodies get from foods such as dairy and certain vegetables, and it’s mostly stored in our bones and teeth. It strengthens enamel, the hard outer layer that protects teeth, and keeps jawbones healthy and strong so they can hold teeth in place. A diet lacking in calcium may cause calcium deficiency in teeth, while low vitamin D (the ‘sunshine’ vitamin) can also affect calcium absorption and lead to weaker bones and teeth.

Preventing calcium deficiency

To keep your bones and teeth strong, make sure your diet includes these calcium-rich foods:

• Milk, yoghurt and cheese
• Kale, broccoli, bok choy, Chinese cabbage and spinach
• Tofu (choose brands prepared with calcium)
• Tempeh
• Sardines and canned salmon (with bones)
• Brazil nuts, almonds and tahini (sesame seed paste)
• Breakfast cereals, fruit juices, bread and plant milks that are calcium fortified.

Can calcium deficiency cause tooth decay?

If your body isn’t getting enough calcium through food, it’ll take it from your bones and teeth – the ‘bone bank’ you built up in childhood and the teenage years. In the short term, you probably won’t notice any symptoms, but if it continues you may be at risk of osteopenia, which means low bone mass, or even osteoporosis, a condition where bones become thin or fragile. 

A deficiency of calcium can cause tooth decay, as well as discoloured teeth and gum disease. In addition, osteoporosis puts you at higher risk of tooth loss, due to jawbone weakness.

How to treat calcium deficiency

The best way to build up calcium is through diet, however, a supplement can be useful in some cases. You’ll need medical supervision for this as high dosages can cause health complications such as constipation, kidney stones and possibly a higher risk of heart disease. So it’s important to ask your GP for guidance if you think you might be lacking in calcium.

Kids and calcium 

When it comes to teeth, the most important time to build up calcium is in childhood and the teenage years, which sets kids up to have strong bones and teeth for life. If kids have sufficient calcium in their bodies, it helps their teeth to form a hard structure as they develop. 

A calcium deficiency in kids can cause weakened tooth enamel and gum disease. 

Talk to a dentist near you

We’re here to help. If you’re concerned about calcium deficiency, have a chat to your GP or Bupa dentist.