Despite what you have heard, teeth are actually not bones. Bones, unlike teeth are wrapped in a layer of cells that allow them to grow and mend themselves over time. Teeth can’t do this, which is why we have to take such good care of them.
Calcium is essential to keeping our bones strong and our teeth healthy.
In fact, 99 percent of the body’s calcium reserves are stored in the bones and teeth.
So for teeth healthy habits, eat (and drink) lots of calcium! The best sources of calcium are dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, green, leafy vegetables are also rich in calcium. Calcium-fortified juice and breakfast cereal as well as canned sardines and salmon (with bones) are other good choices to boost your calcium intake.
Like calcium, vitamin D plays a crucial role in keeping your teeth and bones healthy. Vitamin D helps form your teeth and bones and helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous, which strengthen bones.
If you’re not getting enough vitamin D, some good food sources of the vitamin include fortified milk or margarine, fortified cereals, and fatty fish. Exposure to sunlight also enables the body to produce vitamin D.
So there you have it. Lots of fish, greens and milk will do a body (and your teeth) great!