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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.