Calcium and Kids

You may remember hearing as a child that drinking your milk would give you strong healthy bones! As it turns out, our parents were right; getting enough calcium is vital for growing children. And not just for their bones, but for their teeth as well. Kids who consume the recommended daily serving of calcium through dairy products are much more likely to develop healthier teeth and bones.

The Importance of Calcium for Kids

The best kinds of foods high in calcium are dairy products, especially milk. Dairy products also contain magnesium, phosphorus, protein, and vitamin D in addition to calcium! These compounds all help the calcium to strengthen the bones and teeth.

Unfortunately, the findings of a recent study have shown that most American children aren’t receiving enough calcium. In fact, the Academy of General Dentistry has discovered that only 1 in 5 kids meet even the minimum standards for calcium consumption. For children under 8, two and a half cups of dairy products are recommended each day. Adults and children over the age of 8 should be getting three cups. Milk is a great way to fulfill these requirements, but yogurt is another effective way to increase daily consumption of dairy for kids and adults.

If your child isn’t getting the recommended amount of dairy per day, they are at risk for dental problems including dental cavities and improper tooth development. For more information about how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong, or to make an appointment at Little Smiles of Delaware, please contact our Delaware, Ohio pediatric dentist office today.