Milk and dairy products are delicious but also significant contributions to your diet as they offer an accessible source of calcium. This unique mineral supports vital metabolic processes, but your body stores ninety-nine percent of it in your bones and teeth, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Indian Pediatrics suggests that along with the vitamin D, it is recommended that adequate amounts of calcium i.e. 600-800 mg/day should also be supplemented/derived from dietary sources; this may be obtained from 2-3 servings of milk and milk products/day (as per recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research).
Did you know: Calcium is the most common mineral in your body.
Milk and dairy are good for our teeth, but why? The International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research elaborates that today we have hundreds of different milk fermented products that is available in the market, the most popular once being curd, yogurt, cottage-cheese, cheese.
Remember that consuming dairy is just one part of a mouth-healthy lifestyle. Be sure to consume a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and mineral-rich items.
While many foods and drinks contain calcium, most find consuming milk and dairy to be the easiest way to meet the recommended daily amount. Even better? Your body easily absorbs the type of calcium found in milk and dairy.
If you’re not a massive fan of drinking big glasses of milk, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to meet your calcium needs. Fortunately, we can all find items we love to eat in this list.
Other calcium-rich dairy options:
Helpful tip: Fat-free and low-fat dairy products typically contain the same calcium content.
Soda can be tough on your teeth because it can wear them down over time. This wear is an essential factor to consider when choosing your diet because enamel does not restore over time, making damage permanent without a dental professional’s aid.
The Healthy Mouth Healthy Body explains that many people consume carbonated beverages, fruit juice and highly acidic foods every day but probably don't realise that they may be harming their teeth.
The lesson? If you love having a cold drink handy in the refrigerator, stock up on milk instead of sugary and acidic beverages like soda.
Milk and dairy products are a fantastic way to enhance your dental health, but they aren’t fix-all by themselves.
Research and professional advice are in consensus that milk offers incredible benefits to your dental health. Now that you’re caught up on just how dairy products are a vital part of your diet, your beautiful smile can be the ultimate proof of exactly how well they work.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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