Chicago Dentist, Dr. Bagai

From childhood, we are told to drink more milk so that we can grow healthy teeth and bones. As we grow older, we learn that it is the calcium content of dairy products which promotes strong teeth and strong bones. And yet, despite all the education we receive regarding this important mineral, research has found that, among Americans, calcium deficiency is one of the most common dietary deficiencies. Calcium, however, has more benefits for your body than most people realize.

Because we hear it so often, many people start to "tune out" the information about calcium and oral health. This is unfortunate; a lack of calcium in your diet can lead to much more than just a nagging dentist.

When teeth are healthy, they are protected by a layer of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, which, incidentally, contains calcium. The good news is that, in most cases, the amount of calcium in teeth stays constant even when your diet is lacking. The calcium content of your bones, however, does not. When your body detects a calcium deficiency, it secretes two hormones in response. These hormones signal your bones to release some of their calcium content into the bloodstream in order to maintain a balanced amount. If this process continues for a long time, your bones will begin to run short of calcium, and will become increasingly weak and brittle.

So how does this affect your teeth? While teeth themselves may not be directly affected by a calcium shortage, don’t forget that your teeth are anchored in bone. When this bone starts to lose calcium, it can no longer provide adequate support to your teeth, causing them to loosen in their sockets. The resulting gaps are perfect places for harmful bacteria to fester and grow, leading to tooth decay. In other words, a lack of calcium may not harm teeth in a direct manner, but in the end, your teeth will feel the negative effects. If no treatment is obtained, you may even end up losing teeth.

On the other hand, though a lack of calcium has clearly negative effects, a good supply of calcium has several important benefits. Calcium has more than one purpose in your body; that is, it is not needed only as a mineral that strengthens your bones. Did you know, for example, that calcium is a key component in triggering many cell functions, as well as a substance which helps nerves transmit their electronic impulses? In short, your body needs a sufficient supply of calcium to carry out even the most basic functions.

Some recent study results highlight the benefits of a calcium-rich diet. According to some scientists, calcium may actually be a factor in reducing the risk of colon cancer. They postulate that calcium left over in the digestive tract after your body has absorbed all it needs has the ability to bind to cancer-causing substances and allow your body to excrete them from your system.

For more information regarding the health benefits and importance of calcium, visit the website of Chicago dentist Dr. Bagai at http://www.drbagai.com.