Last Update: 02/19/2007 Printer Friendly Printer Friendly   Email This Page Email This Page  

Oral Health and Calcium
What is calcium?
Calcium is a mineral your body needs to help build strong bones and healthy teeth. Low-fat and fat-free milk and dairy products are especially good sources of calcium.

How does calcium help keep mouths healthy?
  • Even before baby teeth and adult teeth come in, they need calcium. And after teeth come in, they continue to take in calcium so they can develop fully.
  • Calcium makes gums healthy. Getting enough calcium as a young adult may help prevent gum disease later in life.
  • Calcium makes jawbones strong and healthy too. Jawbones need to be strong - they hold the teeth in place!

To learn more about calcium and good sources of calcium, visit the Milk Matters Web site.

How else can I help my child have a healthy mouth?
Besides teaching your children to drink milk and eat other calcium-rich foods, there are a number of ways you can help keep your child's mouth health.

Visit the Calcium is critical for teeth section of the Milk Matters Web site for ideas about keeping mouths healthy.

Where can I get more information about teeth, healthy mouths, and calcium?
 
For More Information:
Clinical Trials
News Releases
Publications/Materials
Web Sites
Contact Information:
NICHD Information Resource Center
Address:
P.O. Box 3006
Rockville, MD 20847
Phone: 1-800-370-2943
Fax: 301-984-1473
E-mail:
NICHDIRC@ mail.nih.gov
NICHD Information Resource Center
Address:
P.O. Box 3006
Rockville, MD 20847
Phone: 1-800-370-2943
Fax: 301-984-1473
E-mail:
NICHDIRC@ mail.nih.gov