A good foundation first

Teeth need healthy strong jaw bones if they are to last for a lifetime. Restoring and strengthening weak teeth come second to ensuring the bone supporting the teeth is healthy and strong. Calcium intake and absorption are some of the building blocks to achieving strong bones and teeth. A deficiency in calcium can lead to Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition that is most commonly experienced by elderly individuals, but it can be seen in young adults. Osteoporosis is defined as a loss of bone mass to a specific level that is determined by your ideal peak bone mass. Your peak bone mass is usually achieved in your twenties, and then declines from that point. If a young adult does not achieve their ideal peak bone mass, then they may develop osteoporosis at a much earlier age.

Nutrition influences our bone stability in the food and drink choices we make. Soft drinks cause a decrease in calcium absorption. Studies indicate that soft drinks that contain phosphoric acid can impair the ability of calcium to be absorbed within your gut as well as deplete the calcium in long bones. Phosphoric acid is found in many popular brands of soft drinks and can be as high as 164 mg/L, which is very high! This further confirms that beverage choice is one of the best targets to improve nutritional health in children and young adults.

Anorexia can significantly accelerate bone loss. Anorexia is a condition that primarily affects young, athletic women. While exercise has been shown to increase bone mass under normal conditions, in individuals with anorexia, bone loss is accelerated. Irreversible bone loss begins at very early ages in individuals with anorexia, and these people have a much higher risk of bone fractures. A normal, healthy diet is thus critical to optimising bone health.

Calcium good for gums
A U.S. study has found eating at least three servings of calcium-rich foods a day could substantially reduce the risk of gum disease. The researchers found that men and women whose intake of calcium was less than 500mg a day were almost twice as likely to have gum disease and tooth decay. People aged between 20 and 40 were most at risk. The study involved 13,000 people and showed milk, cheese and yoghurt helped reduce tooth decay. Foods such as green leafy vegetables, bread and baked beans - all high in calcium - also helped reduce decay levels. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis, strengthens the jaw bone and the sockets in which teeth are placed.