Final answer:
Phosphate is the mineral that works alongside calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Magnesium and fluoride also contribute to bone health, and vitamin D is crucial for regulating the body's use of calcium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mineral that works with calcium to help build strong teeth and bones is phosphate. Calcium combines with phosphate to form hydroxyapatite crystals, which are a key component of bone and teeth structure. These crystals provide hardness to bone and contribute to the high concentration of calcium in teeth. Calcium's numerous roles in the body include muscle contraction, blood coagulation, and regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The normal level of calcium in the blood is critical for overall health, with about 10 mg/dL being essential.
Other minerals like magnesium and fluoride also support bone health, with magnesium being a significant component of the skeleton and fluoride helping to stabilize and strengthen bone mineral by forming fluorapatite.
In addition to minerals, vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth as it regulates the absorption and use of calcium. Adequate sunlight exposure enables the skin to produce enough vitamin D, but in its absence, a diet rich in vitamin D is necessary to prevent bone softening diseases such as rickets.