Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Mineral

Calcium

Likelihood in at-risk patientsModerate

Likelihood of deficiency within an at-risk group, not the general population.

Evidence confidenceModerate

Strength of the peer-reviewed evidence.

Food sources

Dairy products, Fortified plant milks, Leafy greens (kale, bok choy), Canned fish with bones (sardines, salmon)

Typical intake: 1,000 mg/day for most adults (1,200 mg/day for adults 51+/postmenopausal women and men 71+); pregnancy does not raise the skeletal requirement: increased absorption compensates.

Upper limit: 2,500 mg/day for most adults (2,000 mg/day for adults 51+).

Dental & oral effects of deficiency

  • Reduced jaw bone density

    Chronic low calcium intake is linked to lower alveolar bone mass and may worsen periodontal attachment loss.

  • Poor tooth mineralization

    Calcium is required for tooth structure; chronic deficiency contributes to weaker enamel and dentin.

Associated with deficiency

  • Osteoporosis: Reduced systemic and alveolar bone density.

Dental & oral effects of surplus / excess

  • Increased supragingival calculus (tartar) formation

    Higher salivary calcium is associated with faster calculus buildup, which can raise recall/scaling needs.

General toxicity (not necessarily oral-specific)

  • Hypercalcemia / kidney stones: Excess supplemental calcium (uncommon from food alone) raises the risk of kidney stones and hypercalcemia.

Sources

  1. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: oral health and nutrition. Touger-Decker R, Mobley C, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2013.
  2. A Prescription for Change: Food as Medicine & the Vital Role of Nutrition in Patient Care. teethFirst. Continuing education course material, 2025.