Is Dairy Good (or Bad) For Your Teeth?
Most people have grown up hearing that milk is an important part of a healthy diet, largely because of its impact on bones and teeth. But is there any truth to this? The easy answer is yes! Milk and other dairy products are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that can help protect tooth enamel, strengthen your jaw bone and fight tooth decay. There are many factors that contribute to healthy teeth and gums, and consuming dairy is one of them.
Dairy is good for your teeth
Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese have a number of health benefits, especially when it comes to your teeth. The Canadian Food Guide recommends adults consume 2 to 3 servings of milk or dairy alternatives each day, which will help keep your teeth in top shape. Some of the benefits of dairy for your oral health include:
Help protect enamel – The casein proteins found in dairy products form a protective film on teeth which can help protect the hard enamel from decay.
Can repair damage – Minerals like calcium and phosphorus help repair tooth enamel if it’s been damaged by the acids produced from bacteria and the process of food breakdown.
Neutralizes acidity – Foods that are high in acidity or sugar like sodas, some fruits, and candies leave harmful residue on teeth after consumption. Drinking or eating dairy products after acidic or sugary foods can help neutralize them, help clean your teeth, and aid in preventing cavities.
Stimulates saliva production – Saliva helps clean your teeth during and after eating, which is an important part of maintaining good mouth health. Dairy products, and especially cheese, stimulate saliva production during and after consumption.
Improves your body’s absorption of calcium – The calcium found in milk and dairy is easily absorbed by your body. Calcium helps strengthen tooth enamel and can help make the bones of your jaw stronger, potentially preventing tooth loss in the long term.
Dairy does contain sugar
One thing to keep in mind is that many dairy products contain lactose, a sugar that could be harmful for teeth. Low-sugar yogurt is a great way to enjoy the benefits of dairy without the tooth-harming effects of sugar consumption, thought it’s not the only way to help prevent negative effects. Brushing teeth after consuming dairy and before bed can help reduce the possible cavity-causing effects of sugar.
The sugars in milk can be especially harmful for children whose teeth are still developing their protective layer of enamel. Ensuring that young children don’t go to bed with a bottle of milk can help protect their teeth from decay caused by the sugars in milk sitting on their teeth overnight.
Milk isn’t the only option
Although milk is one of the easiest and most common ways to get your recommended servings of dairy each day, there are a number of other great dairy options. Cheese and yogurt are also an ideal part of a healthy diet. Yogurt actually contains more calcium per serving than milk, and eating cheese increases saliva production which helps clean bacteria from your mouth. Even cooking with buttermilk or eating ice cream can help increase dairy intake!
Dairy + oral care routine = good mouth health
Including dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream and soy milk can help lead to better mouth health and stronger jaw bones, along with many other health benefits. This easy addition to your diet, in combination with a consistent oral care routine can help ensure that teeth and gums stay healthy for many years to come. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are all important steps in good dental care.
See your dentist for regular check ups
Visiting your dentist twice a year can help you stay ahead of any potential issues, and catch any areas of concern before they become a problem. Having your teeth cleaned during a regular visit can ensure that cavities are spotted before they become too large, and help you keep your teeth in top shape for as long as possible.
