Calcium and Teeth: Let’s Dispel Myths about Calcium (and Calcium Deposits) on Teeth

Long story short: Calcium makes enamel hard and keeps the jawbone strong. What many call calcium buildup or calcium deposits on teeth is hardened plaque that needs to be removed with regular teeth brushing, not the calcium you eat. In fact, numerous studies show a statistically significant relationship between tooth retention and calcium intake, and the continued association between osteoporosis and tooth loss.

We all know that 99% of the body’s calcium is found in our bones and teeth, but we get questions all the time about calcium deposits on teeth and how calcium affects teeth, more broadly.   

In our teeth, calcium is essential for forming hard enamel that stands up to wear and tear, acids, and the challenges of daily life. Teeth aren’t made of pure calcium. Instead, enamel and dentin are composed of a crystal called hydroxyapatite, which is a blend of calcium and phosphate. Think of it like a sturdy brick wall and calcium acts as a vital brick that gives enamel its strength. 

“A Significant Association between Osteoporosis and Tooth Loss”

For dietary calcium (the calcium you eat), calcium plays a crucial role in forming enamel crystals, supports daily remineralization, and strengthens the jawbone that holds your teeth in place. In fact, according to the New York State Dept of Health, people with osteoporosis often have fewer teeth because jawbone density declines.  A 2009 study titled “Tooth loss and osteoporosis: the OSTEODENT Study” actually counted the difference in tooth number and found “the mean number of teeth in the osteoporotic subjects was 3.3 fewer than normal subjects and 2.1 fewer if those with no teeth were excluded.” The authors largely attribute this difference to shared mechanisms between periodontal disease and osteoporosis and, as they mention, “supplementary calcium and vitamin D, aimed at preventing osteoporosis, has also been shown to reduce tooth loss.” A 2001 study verified this, showing “intake levels of calcium and vitamin D aimed at preventing osteoporosis have a beneficial effect on tooth retention,” meaning fewer people lost fewer teeth while they were consuming adequate calcium.

Calcium Buildup and Deposits on Teeth

Calcium plays a key role in daily remineralization, which is the natural repair process that occurs after we eat or snack. It also supports the jawbone that holds our teeth in place. If you find your diet lacking, consider a real food calcium option to help you reach your daily goal - like the 500mg of dietary calcium in Seen’s calcium chews. 

We often get questions about calcium stains or calcium buildup on teeth. This is actually a common myth that dietary calcium (the calcium you eat) is directly related to calcium buildup or calcium deposits on your teeth. Those stubborn deposits are typically tartar, also known as calculus. Plaque hardens when saliva binds to it, and this is primarily an oral hygiene issue. It’s not caused by consuming too much calcium, nor is it an indicator of high calcium levels in your blood. Brushing your teeth and maintaining good dental hygiene is key to reducing this calcium buildup or calcium deposits on your teeth!  Just to be clear, calcium buildup is actually hardened plaque, not the dietary calcium you need for strong bones and teeth.

To summarize, let’s remember the important distinction between the “calcium deposits on teeth,” which is just hardened plaque, and the dietary calcium you must eat to keep your teeth and jawbone strong.  Study after study show that, in fact, eating adequate calcium and maintaining strong bones has been associated with increased dental health and tooth retention.