Chicago Cosmetic Dentist, Dentist in Chicago

Calcium is a naturally occurring element which is very important for living organisms. In the human body, calcium is nearly everywhere – in your bones, your teeth, and your blood. It performs a variety of vital functions, including supporting bones, acting as a signaler for cell activities, and assisting nerve impulses. However, despite the importance of calcium, a calcium deficiency is one of the most common dietary problems out there. Why is this? At least in part, the problem is because people fail to realize the true importance of getting enough calcium.

Calcium and Your Health

Most people are vaguely aware of the fact that calcium “builds strong teeth and bones,” to use the popular catchphrase. Oddly, this knowledge does not appear to translate into healthy dietary habits. Perhaps more information is needed. After all, having a vague idea that calcium “is good for you” is not nearly as compelling as understanding the specifics.

Whether or not you realize it, your body is keenly aware of its need for calcium. When it does not get an adequate supply of calcium, your body will immediately take action. It produces hormones which cause your bones to release some of their calcium content into the bloodstream. On a short-term basis, this allows your body to function ‘normally.’ However, when calcium deficiency persists for a long time, your bones start to lose too much calcium. They become weak, brittle, and prone to fracture. Furthermore, if you do break a bone, it will take much longer to heal.

This weakening of your bones also affects your teeth. While the amount of calcium actually in your teeth usually does not change very much, the bone that your teeth are supported by can. As the jawbone weakens, teeth become loose in their sockets, creating gaps and spaces where bacteria can fester and eat away at enamel and gum tissue. In severe cases, you may lose teeth altogether. Suffice it to say that dentists have good reason to encourage you to maintain a healthy calcium intake.

Other body systems are also affected by a calcium deficiency. Did you know that lack of calcium can result in weight gain and high blood pressure? This is because the same hormones that your body produces in response to a calcium deficiency also promote the creation and inhibit the breaking down of fatty tissue, as well as cause the walls of arteries to tighten and contract, forcing blood pressure upwards.

On the other hand, keeping your body well-supplied with calcium can yield “unexpected” benefits. For example, recent research has suggested a link between healthy amounts of calcium and a decreased risk of colon cancer. Scientists theorize that leftover calcium in your system binds to cancer-causing agents and allows your body to safely get rid of them. Without that calcium, this process cannot happen.

The message is very clear: your teeth – and your body – need calcium. The next time your dentist encourages you to watch your calcium intake, don’t brush him off. He’s only trying to ensure your health and well-being.