The effect of milk on dental health and prevention of tooth decay
Regular consumption of dairy products is essential for oral health and even bone health. However, there is little research on the impact of milk on dental health. Our review study shows that cheese and other dairy products can prevent tooth decay.
Table of Contents
The effect of milk on dental health
This study investigated the statistical population of 68 people with an age range between 12 and 15. The researchers measured the participants’ oral pH before and after consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese, or yogurt. A pH level of less than 5.5 means that participants are at a lower risk of tooth erosion. In this process, tooth enamel is destroyed. A higher level (above 5.5) increases the possibility of cavities in a person.
The participants were divided into different groups. The first group was asked to eat cheddar cheese. The second group was asked to drink milk and the third group consumed yogurt without sugar. Each group had three minutes to consume the products and then drank water. Then the researchers measured the pH levels of the participants’ mouths after 10, 20 and 30 minutes of consumption.
The results of research on the effect of milk on dental health show that yogurt and sugar-free milk have no effect on the pH level of the participants. However, those who ate cheddar cheese had a rapid increase in their oral pH levels at each interval. This shows that cheese has a high effect in fighting tooth decay.
This study shows that due to the greater need for chewing, cheese is able to increase the pH level of the mouth. Chewing more stimulates saliva production. Saliva is the mouth’s natural tool in fighting acid levels in the mouth and tooth decay. Additionally, certain compounds in cheese can attach to tooth enamel and help protect teeth from acid.
The results of this research recommend that you finish your meals with a piece of cheese.
Vitamins and minerals needed
Apart from dairy consumption, the following vitamins and minerals are essential not only for the mouth and teeth, but for the whole body:
Calcium
Bones, teeth and jaws are mainly made of calcium. Lack of calcium in your diet puts you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Calcium can be obtained from various foods and beverages, including dairy products (milk, cheese, and yogurt), shellfish, and even beans.
Iron
Iron deficiency may lead to inflammation of the tongue and cause ulcers inside the mouth. Red meat, liver, nuts and spices are common sources of iron.
Vitamin B3
Lack of this vitamin can cause mouth sores with bad breath. To help increase vitamin B3 in the body, you should include a lot of chicken and fish in your meals.
Vitamin B2 and B12
The lack of these two vitamins can also cause mouth ulcers and canker sores. Red meat, fish, chicken, liver and dairy products are excellent sources of these vitamins.
