Another Way to Fight Cavities

Most of us know the basics involved in good oral hygiene: namely, brushing and flossing twice a day, staying away from sugary snacks and visiting your dentist twice a year for regular professional cleanings. However, there’s new evidence that suggests that there may be another way to fight cavities, and it’s one that many people would never expect – eating cheese!

Medical professionals and scientists have known for many years that dairy products are good for bone health, but until recently there have been few, if any, studies that indicate how your teeth are affected by dairy products. However, in the May/June 2013 issue of “General Dentistry,” a study was published that showed that eating cheese may actually help to prevent cavities.

The pH Connection

It all revolves around a person’s pH level. If you have a high level of pH, you’ll be less likely to form cavities. And, conversely, if your pH level is lower, you’ll be more at risk for tooth decay. In the “General Dentistry” study, three groups of people were asked to consume dairy products. One group was asked to drink milk, another group to eat sugar-free yogurt and yet another group to eat cheese. At the end of the study, the pH levels of all groups were measured. The groups that drank milk and ate sugar-free yogurt experienced no changes in their pH levels, while the group that ate cheese showed a rapid increase in the pH levels in their mouths, indicating that cheese may actually help to prevent tooth decay.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130605130118.htm