Calcium and Vitamin D Aid Dental Health

Source: Tufts University
February 14, 2003

Can the same nutrients that are needed to maintain strong bones help seniors hold on to their teeth? Possibly, say Tufts University researchers, who equated higher intake of bone-building calcium and vitamin D with better dental health in a group of Boston adults. Their findings were published in the American Journal of Medicine.

Extension of bone strength study

This study was actually an 'add-on' to a study intended to measure the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplements on hip bone strength, and to see if the benefits to bone density gained by using supplements held over time. To address these questions, 145 healthy adults over age 65 received either a supplement that contained 500 mg calcium and 700 IU vitamin D or an inactive sugar pill, daily, for 3 years. Over the following 2 years, participants could elect to take calcium supplements, although they were not required to do so.

Halfway through the original phase of the study and again at the five-year point, the participants were asked to report the number of teeth lost at some point during the study. The researchers were looking for a connection between intake of calcium and vitamin D and tooth loss.

Nutrients made a difference

After accounting for other factors - like daily oral care and history of periodontal disease - that can affect tooth loss, they found that those who took calcium and vitamin D supplements for 3 years were about half as likely as others in the study to lose teeth. The same was true for those who continued to consume at least 1000 mg of calcium a day during the 2-year follow-up period.

What's the connection?

Research on the potential connection between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and oral bone strength has produced mixed results. But several studies have found a link between low bone mineral density and tooth loss, and studies in animals have demonstrated that an adequate calcium intake can help prevent osteoporosis-like damage to jaw bones. This current study is important because it adds to what scientists know about the connection between nutrition and dental health.

Advice to consumers

Clearly, those who fared the best in the current study - both in terms of hip bone strength and dental health - were the ones who consumed close to the 1200 mg of calcium per day recommended for older adults.

Take a look at your diet, and consider adding a supplement if you find you are coming up short on calcium. And if you do use a supplement, check with your doctor to see if should also include vitamin D. This nutrient is synthesized in the skin on contact with sunlight, and is added to some fortified foods, but those who have limited exposure to sunlight or who eat few fortified foods might benefit from a supplement, especially as they get older. Vitamin D is toxic at high levels, though, so aim for the recommended dose - 400 IU (10 micrograms) for adults over age 51 and 600 IU (15 micrograms) for those over age 70.

Source

• Calcium and vitamin D supplements reduce tooth loss in elderly. E. Krall, C. Wehler, R. Garcia,  et al., Amer J Med, 2001, vol. 111, pp. 452--456

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A New Prescription for Healthy Teeth: Brush, Floss, and Get Enough Calcium
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