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Calcium
Recent Study: Calcium and Vitamin C reduce risk of
periodontal disease
Monitoring your daily intake of calcium and vitamin C is a good way
to manage dental health and keep periodontal (gum) disease in check, according
to a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology.
Calcium
The dental health benchmark for calcium intake is 500 milligrams
(mg) per day. The study found that people who consume about half the
recommended daily allowance each day are almost twice as likely to have
periodontal diseases. People in their 20s and 30s are particularly at risk. To
assess your individual risk, contact your dentist.
Vitamin C
The study also found increased dental health risk for people who
consume less than 60 mg of vitamin C per day (the recommended amount, about as
much as is in one orange). People who consumed less than the 60 mg dental
health threshold were one-and-a-half times more likely to develop severe
gingivitis as those who consumed three or more times the recommended daily
amount. Gingivitis causes the gums around your teeth to turn red, swell, and
bleed easily.
Additional Information
Other tips to aid your periodontal health and avoid tooth decay
include brushing and flossing after consuming sticky foods or sweets. You can
also improve dental health by drinking lots of water to help fend off decay,
wash away food, and neutralize plaque.
How can I reduce the cost of dental treatment?
Without a dental plan,
dental treatment can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Proper dental
care is vital, however, and can even affect your medical health. It should not
be ignored. If you believe you will soon need a dental procedure, you may want
to consider a dental plan to help reduce your costs.
