Strengthening Teeth Naturally: The Power of Cheese

As the owner of Metro Decatur Dental Group PC, I’m thrilled to share a fascinating discovery that could enhance your dental health. While we often hear about foods to avoid for healthy teeth, today, let’s focus on a delightful exception – cheese! Yes, you read that right. This beloved dairy treat can be good for your teeth, and we have scientific evidence to back it up.

A study conducted by the esteemed Academy of General Dentistry shed light on cheese’s remarkable tooth-strengthening prowess. This study explored various dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, to understand their impact on the mouth’s pH level – a scale measuring the acidity, alkalinity, or basicity of a substance.

Understanding the Role of pH: A Key to Strong Teeth

The pH level in your mouth plays a crucial role in dental health. Acids, with low pH, pose a significant threat to your tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. These acids can erode the enamel, exposing the more vulnerable layers beneath and creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, leading to infections and gum disease. Citrus fruits, diet sodas, and sugary treats are known sources of acid, and saliva works to re-balance the pH in your mouth after consuming such foods.

The Cheese Advantage: Promoting Dental Well-being

The groundbreaking study revealed that after consuming cheddar cheese, participants experienced elevated pH levels in their mouths for an impressive 30 minutes. In comparison, both milk and yogurt only raised pH levels for 10 minutes each. So, what makes cheese a dental superhero?

Firstly, cheese encourages saliva production, aiding in pH balance restoration. Additionally, it contains essential nutrients like calcium and protein, which act as building blocks for a healthy mouth, effectively preventing tooth decay.