Is Your Child Receiving Enough Calcium?

Posted May 29, 2017

As you know, calcium is essential for children, teens, and adults! Translation: Everyone needs it! While you may have a solid grasp on catering to your own needs for getting enough of this mineral that will keep your teeth and bones strong and healthy, that doesn’t mean you feel completely confident about providing it successfully to your little ones. Don’t worry. This is a common oral health worry and something we can quickly help you resolve.

How Much Calcium Your Child Needs

You can get a general idea for the proper levels by considering published information for your child’s age group. For instance, children ages one through three need 700mg per day; children four through eight require 1,000mg per day; children ages nine through 18 need 1,300mg a day.

How To Provide Calcium

Eating foods rich in calcium is the best way to offer your children the vitamins and minerals they need for optimal oral health and well being. Fortunately, calcium is present in many foods, including natural whole foods as well as calcium-fortified options. Consider the following for your shopping list:

• Naturally Calcium Rich Foods: Spinach, beans, sardines, kale, dairy products, and more.
• Frequently Fortified Foods: Cereals, orange juice, soy drinks, and more.

How To Know For Sure

Not sure how to figure out if your child is receiving enough calcium for optimal oral health? During visits, we will notice calcium deficiency if teeth seem particularly weak or brittle. In addition, we encourage you to keep up with your child’s visits to his or her pediatrician to ensure vitamin and mineral levels are on target.

Protect Your Child’s Smile With The Right Minerals

Talk with us about your child’s nutrition to ensure your son or daughter is getting the proper nutrients for a healthy smile. Schedule a visit with your Dallas, TX children’s dentist, Dr. Marr at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda by calling 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.