Is Milk Good for Your Teeth?

It can be tough to make good dietary choices for your dental health. Is milk good or bad for your teeth? Does milk cause tooth decay? Research says that milk and teeth are a great match, but the reasons why may surprise you. We’re here to lay out what you need to know about milk and dairy regarding your diet and mouth.

The Need for Milk Starts Early

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.

How Dairy Fights Decay

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.

• Milk contains calcium, phosphorus that is very beneficial for maintaining the tooth strong and also contains casein protein that prevents it from acid decay due to the formation of enamel coating. Fortification of milk with iron and other micronutrients has helped in solving problems like iron deficiency and anaemia in children in India. Many microorganisms present in milk are known to have direct and indirect health benefits to human.
• In addition, milk is thought to contain constituents that enhance mineral absorption, such as lactose and certain amino acids, but absorption of minerals from cow milk has not been demonstrated to be greater than that from mineral salts. 

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.

Getting More Milk in Your Diet

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:

• Yogurt, plain or with fruit
• Cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage
• Meals containing buttermilk
• Frozen yogurt and ice cream
• Calcium-fortified soy milk

Helpful tip: Fat-free and low-fat dairy products typically contain the same calcium content.

Say No to Soda, but Yes to Milk

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 acid in the foods we eat and drink can cause tooth enamel to wear away and teeth can become sensitive and discoloured.
• In many cases, it's not what you eat and drink that is as important as how you consume these foods.

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 Plus Oral Care Basics

Milk and dairy products are a fantastic way to enhance your dental health, but they aren’t fix-all by themselves.

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss once a day.
• Use a mouthrinse or mouthwash to help remove debris and food matter.
• Utilise items containing fluoride like fluoridated toothpaste or most tap water.

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.