Minerals for calcified teeth structures – (Calcium)
Minerals for our body calcified structures
The total amount of inorganic elements in the body is about 4% of body weight. Growing children especially 1-13 years old require large amount of minerals. Some trace minerals are needed in smaller amounts though. Both types of minerals are of equal importance in producing quality of bone structures during the whole life time.
What is important to share with different age group patients (especially with parents) in a dental office is that dietary inadequacies can have negative impact on their teeth and bones.
Bone mineralization and Growth
Bones and teeth are calcified structures Composed of a bone matrix (organic + inorganic substances). The organic matrix of bone is 90-95 % collagen. The collagen in this the matrix is secreted directly by osteoblasts ( cells bone formation). During the formation of collagen and deposition of minerals ( bone development period) adequate nutrition is required to avoid structural bone defects in the future. The function of the so called crystalline matrix in teeth structure provides compresional strength to occlusion forces applied during mastication. Calcium is the most important mineral in bone formation process. It is the major mineral in the body.
99% of the body calcium is found in teeth and bones, whereas 1% in blood. Calcium controls blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, membrane permeability, enzyme activity. 4-10% of bone calcium is amorphous. This calcium amorphous provides calcium reserves for serum calcium levels. Calcium in saliva serves to mineralize and re-mineralize enamel, and calcium and phosphate in saliva. Recent researches also show that calcium inhibits development of caries. Development of normal, healthy teeth is affected by metabolic factors such as: Parathyroid hormone secretion and adequate calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, protein + other nutrients. Its balance in the human body is relatively constant, but with age or because of congenital parathyroid dysfunction, the calcium hormone secretion in the blood stream decreases making bones more fragile and easy to fracturing.
Calcium is absorbed in the upper intestine and is affected by bioavailability of food, physiologival states, age and estrogen levels in blood. The calcium absorbtion in the body is equal to excretion. Adequate sources of calcium are dairy produts, fortified foods, and calcium supplements.
Hypercalcemia (Hyper-State) high calcium levels in the blood.
Sypocalcemia ( hypo-state) is the low calcium level in the blood .
Both these states can cause critical metabolic conditions such as loss of consciousness, fatal respiratory failure, cardiac arrest etc. inadequate calcium intake is caused by lack of information, economic hardship and lactose intolerance. Consequences of inadequate intake effect teeth development , decreases bone density ( mass), rickets and cause osteoporosis.
Dental considerations
- A dentist or dental hygienist should consider the fact that patients with Hyperparathyroidism are prone to alveolar bone resorption.
- Osteoporosis indicates tooth loss and leads to unsuccessful implantologic and prosthetic interventions.
- Smoking effects the calcium uptake
- Nutritional counceling for clients who are :
- Lactose intolerant
- With decreased gastric acid
- Smokers.
