nutrition and dental health in children

Robert Madden, D.D.S. practices at Southwest Family Dentistry in Littleton, Colorado. At his practice location in the Denver metropolitan area, member of the American Dental Association Dr. Robert Madden cares for and educates patients of all ages in the ways of maintaining dental health.

More than mere stationary objects that stay healthy on auto-pilot, teeth require regular dental hygiene, visits to the dentist, and a healthy diet. To keep mouth and teeth healthy means providing essential nutrients through wise dietary choices. Healthy teeth need such vitamins and minerals as vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. Foods high in these elements include dairy products, vegetables, and fruits.

Teeth share common qualities with bones. Both consist of calcified tissue. From the beginning of formation (even before birth), teeth begin to mineralize, a process that lasts for nearly 20 years. In order to promote healthy teeth, until 11 years of age, children need between 700 to 900 mg of calcium every day.

After age 11, adolescents need 1,000 to 1,200 mg each day. These guidelines for calcium intake are intended to accommodate the intense growth that occurs in these formative years.