Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency can hurt teeth and gums, as well as bones and different parts of the human body. This mineral, in fact, strengthens the enamel and protects against cavities and gum infections. To maintain or restore the correct levels of calcium, the role of nutrition is fundamental, consuming foods that are rich in it. Furthermore, under medical supervision, it is possible to take specific supplements.

Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body. It is no coincidence, in fact, that this element alone constitutes about 2% of the body and represents half of all the minerals it contains. In the collective imagination, calcium is closely connected with the skeletal system because, using common jargon, “it is good for the bones “. As often happens, popular wisdom does not deviate too much from reality. In fact, calcium is really an essential component of bone tissue and taking the right amount through the daily diet helps keep bone problems away. On the contrary, however, the lack of calcium can cause various ailments.

Calcium For The Health Of Teeth And Gums

In addition to the bones, however, there is another area of ​​the body that receives important benefits from a regular and adequate calcium intake. It’s about the mouth and specifically the health of teeth and gums.

As far as the teeth are concerned, calcium strengthens their structure and enamel, making them less susceptible to attack by the bacteria contained in the plaque and therefore less prone to developing caries. A function of primary importance, given that tooth decay is the number one enemy of the smile.

Even the role in gingival health should not be underestimated. In fact, calcium helps prevent the onset of infections and plays a leading role in the fight against periodontitis, a very dangerous pathology which, in its most extreme consequences, can also cause tooth loss.

Calcium Deficiency: Causes And Symptoms

At this point, it becomes clear that a lack of calcium in the body is a situation that should be avoided as much as possible. But how do you know if you need to take more? How does this deficiency manifest itself? And above all, what could be the causes?

Let’s proceed in order, starting from the symptoms of calcium deficiency, which are mainly the following:

• Dry and flaky skin;
• brittle nails;
• Thick hair;
• Muscle cramps, aches, spasms and stiffness;
• Convulsions.

Very often the appearance of white spots on the teeth is also considered a sign of a calcium deficiency. In this case, however, it is more likely to be fluorosis or vitamin D deficiency (which in turn can actually decrease calcium levels).

Moving on to the analysis of the causes of calcium deficiency, these can be traced back to three categories: incorrect diet, previous pathologies, intake of specific drugs. Added to these is aging and, for women, menopause.

Diet is undoubtedly the main suspect. The absorption of calcium, in fact, is reduced in the presence of oversized consumption of whole foods or foods rich in fiber and protein. Conversely, if little vitamin D is introduced into the body, it will also contribute to lowering the level of calcium. Finally, excesses of caffeine, alcohol and salt should also be avoided.

Among the pathologies that can interfere with calcium, however, there are celiac disease and kidney disease, as well as all those that require prolonged intake of corticosteroid drugs.

How To Increase Calcium In Teeth

If diet is often the main cause of a lack of calcium, then it is through food that the problem can be solved. The alternative (or further support) is represented by the intake of specific supplements, obviously under strict medical supervision.

What To Eat

At the top of the list of calcium-rich foods are undoubtedly milk and all its derivatives, from fresh to aged cheeses, passing through the different types of yogurt. Eggs and some fish and seafood are also very rich, such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, prawns, octopus and clams.

In the vegetable field, there are various fruits and vegetables that contain calcium: soy (ideal for those who follow a vegan diet), cabbage, spinach, turnip greens, chard, broccoli, almonds, figs, oranges, walnuts and pistachios. Legumes should also be included in the list: chickpeas and beans.

What Supplements To Take

If you have difficulty restoring the correct calcium levels with your diet, you can rely on specific supplements (including vitamin D). The choice of the most suitable supplement, the indication of the daily doses and the duration of the treatment, however, are all variables that must be established by your trusted doctor, who should be consulted. Do-it-yourself is never a good idea when it comes to health.

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