I switched to soy milk for a few months and honestly, my teeth didn’t feel any different, but I did notice my mouth felt drier. Cheese definitely helps me with that—sometimes I’ll just grab a slice if my mouth feels like the Sahara. Never had my dentist mention calcium from x-rays, though. I always wonder if it’s in our heads or if there’s actually something to it...
That dry mouth thing with soy milk is real—I felt it too, and it got worse when I tried to go full non-dairy for a while. Cheese is pricey, though, so I started adding more spinach and kale to stuff. Supposedly those greens have calcium, but I’m never sure if it’s enough. Dentists never mention it unless you ask, and insurance barely covers anything preventative... I just cross my fingers my teeth hold up.
I totally get the worry about calcium from greens. I did the same—loaded up on spinach and kale when I ditched dairy, but I still felt nervous at every cleaning. My dentist finally mentioned that not all calcium in veggies gets absorbed super well, which kind of stressed me out. I started taking a supplement just in case, but honestly, I still cross my fingers too. Insurance barely helps with anything preventative for me either... it’s always a gamble.
I totally hear you on the insurance thing—it’s like they only care once something’s already broken. I’ve been in the same boat with calcium, and honestly, I think you’re doing everything right. I switched to almond milk and leafy greens years ago, and my dentist also warned me about absorption. Supplements help me feel less anxious, but I still get that “uh-oh” feeling before every cleaning. At the end of the day, I figure as long as we’re trying our best, that’s what counts.
- I’ve always been a milk person, but lately I’m leaning into spinach and kale smoothies.
- Haven’t noticed a huge difference yet, but I do feel better about getting more veggies in.
- Still get nervous before checkups—guess that never really goes away...
- Supplements seem helpful, but I wonder if food sources are just easier on my stomach.
- Insurance is such a headache—wish they’d cover more preventive stuff.