Is Milk Good for Your Teeth?

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). They recommend a daily intake of at least 200mg to 1,300mg of calcium from birth, varying with age.

Did you know: Calcium is the most common mineral in your body.

Milk and dairy are good for our teeth, but why? According to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry, dairy like cheese, milk, and yogurt provide a variety of benefits:

• They contain casein proteins that form a protective film on the surface of your teeth. These proteins protect the hard outer layer of your teeth (known as enamel) from decay.
• They are rich in calcium and phosphorus, minerals that repair damage to your teeth. When acid from bacteria and food break down your enamel, these minerals are there to help.
• They’re mostly pH-neutral and can help neutralize acidic or sugary food and drinks. Be sure to consume dairy after your snack or meal.
• They stimulate saliva production. Saliva helps maintain and repair your teeth, and healthy amounts lead to a better smile.

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:

• 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.

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.

There are a variety of potential side-effects from consuming acidic and sugary drinks, according to the American Dental Association:

• Pain and tooth sensitivity
• Tooth discoloration
• Cavities, tooth loss, and abscesses

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.

• 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.
• Utilize 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.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.