Since you were a small child, you’ve likely seen commercials and advertisements encouraging you to drink plenty of milk for healthy teeth and bones. Milk is a great dietary choice because it contains vital minerals and vitamins that are crucial to a healthy mouth; however, it can also be harmful if you aren’t careful. Here are the overall benefits of drinking milk and the best type to protect your smile.
4 Benefits of Drinking Milk
Milk and other dairy products are a great source of calcium, which 99% of is stored in your bones and teeth after it’s consumed. As the most common mineral in your body, your need for it starts at birth to support the development of your teeth. Dairy also helps fight tooth decay, which is the biggest threat to your oral health. The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry released a few key benefits of drinking milk regularly based on new studies, which include:
- Casein Proteins: The proteins protect your enamel from decay by forming a protective film over the hard outer layer of your teeth.
- Calcium and Phosphorus: The minerals repair damage to your teeth caused by bacteria and food that erode your enamel.
- pH-Neutral: Drinking milk after a snack or meal neutralizes acidic or sugary residue on your teeth.
- Saliva Production: Milk helps keep your mouth clean in between brushing and flossing by encouraging saliva production.
Best Milk for Your Teeth
There are plenty of milk varieties to choose from, but which is best for your teeth? Here’s what you need to know to make the right decision for your smile:
- Cow’s Milk: Cow’s milk is well-known for building strong teeth because it contains calcium, which isn’t produced naturally in your body. Since your enamel is the most mineralized substance in your body, consuming more calcium will allow the outer layer of your teeth to restrengthen itself to be resistant to cavity-causing bacteria.
- Soy Milk: Soy also contains many necessary nutrients, but it has significantly less calcium than cow’s milk. Although it can protect against tooth decay, soy can increase the growth of an acid-producing oral bacterium at a rate 5 to 6 times higher than cow’s milk. As a result, while it can strengthen your enamel, it can also increase your risk of cavities.
- Almond Milk: If you’re lactose intolerant, milk is still important to have in your diet. As an alternative to cow’s milk, choose a calcium-fortified almond milk, but make sure it isn’t sweetened.
Drink Up for a Healthy Smile
Drinking a glass of milk each day is an excellent way to protect your smile. Next time you reach for a refreshing beverage, choose milk to support strong, healthy teeth.
About Dr. Spiro Saati
Dr. Saati earned his dental degree at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and he is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He focuses on a mouth-and-body approach to help patients reach optimal wellness. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, contact our office today.