Dairy products like yogurt, cheese and milk are not only delicious, but they play a crucial role in your dental health. Dairy and teeth are a match made in heaven for many reasons. In this Ask A Dentist blog, we’ll be laying out what you need to know about dairy and how it affects your teeth and mouth.

Benefits Of Dairy Products To Health

Why do we need dairy in our diet? Dairy products like milk offer an accessible source of calcium. The mineral, combined with phosphorus, can help strengthen your teeth. These minerals play a critical role in dental health by protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel.

But remember, consuming dairy is just one part of a healthy-eating lifestyle. You should also be consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other mineral-rich foods. 

Including Dairy In Your Diet

When you think about dairy, milk is typically what comes to mind. Drinking milk is the easiest way to meet the recommended daily amount, and your body easily absorbs the type of calcium found in the drink. 

However, if you’re not fond of drinking milk, there are plenty of other ways to meet your calcium needs. Other dairy options include:

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

Caution About Having Dairy Before Bed

Although dairy foods like milk and yogurt are full of essential nutrients for strong teeth, they still contain sugar. If you go to sleep straight after drinking a glass of milk or a few spoonfuls of yogurt, the sugar will mix with the bad bacteria in your mouth, causing cavities. Therefore, we don’t recommend adults have dairy before sleeping or that parents give their children a cup of comfort milk before bed. Letting your child fall asleep with a bottle of milk can lead to baby bottle tooth decay. 

Don’t Forget Your Basics

Including dairy products in your diet is a great way to improve your dental health, but it shouldn’t be the only activity in your oral hygiene regimen. Please continue to:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily
• Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating to remove leftover food debris
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings

Interested in learning more about how dairy products can improve your oral health? Schedule a visit with one of our dentists today for a discussion. Dental Image Therapy Centres has two Winnipeg dental clinics at St. Vital Centre and Garden City Shopping Centre. From routine checkups and cleanings to specialized services, we got your oral needs covered. Book your appointment today.