Kids and the Importance of Calcium

Getting enough calcium is very important for growing children. Not just for their bones but for their teeth as well. Children who consume the recommended daily serving of calcium through dairy products are more likely to develop healthier bones and teeth as they grow.

Calcium & Kids

The best types of high-calcium foods to give your children are dairy products, especially milk. Milk and other dairy products not only contain calcium, but also vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein. All of these compounds will help the calcium in the dairy to strengthen the bones and teeth. Phosphorus forms a protective barrier over the teeth to protect against acidic foods that can weaken tooth enamel and cause dental cavities and tooth decay.

Many kids are not consuming enough calcium. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, only around 1 in 5 children meet even the most minimum standards for calcium consumption. It’s been recommended that kids under the age of 8 consume around two and a half cups of dairy products per day. Adults and children over the age of 8 need three cups. Milk is a great way to fulfill these requirements, but yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products are great ways to increase dairy consumption for kids and adults.

If your children aren’t consuming enough dairy, they’re at risk for dental problems, including improper tooth development. We recommend keeping a close eye on your child’s calcium consumption to ensure that he or she is getting the daily recommended amount. For more information on keeping your child’s teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime, please make an appointment here at Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry. Our children’s dental office is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.