Patrick Oconnell
While it is well-known that sugar and acidic drinks are bad for your teeth, some studies have found that eating cheese can help prevent cavities. A study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry found that eating cheese can raise the pH level in the mouth, which can protect teeth from acid and prevent cavities. Other studies have also found that the calcium and protein in cheese can strengthen teeth and bones, and reduce enamel demineralization. However, it is important to note that consuming cheese alone is not enough to prevent cavities, and it should be paired with other preventative measures such as avoiding sugary snacks and beverages, and maintaining a good dental hygiene routine.
Does Cheddar Cheese Help Prevent Cavities?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevents Cavities | Yes, according to a study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry. |
| How it works | The rising pH levels from eating cheese may occur due to increased saliva production, which could be caused by the action of chewing. |
| Other Benefits | Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, which can strengthen teeth and bones. |
| Other Dairy Products | Milk and yoghurt can also be considered non-cariogenic. |
| Other Preventative Measures | Avoid sugary snacks and beverages, and brush and floss consistently. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Cheddar cheese may prevent cavities by increasing saliva production
- Cheddar cheese contains compounds that protect teeth from acid
- Cheddar cheese is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which strengthens teeth
- Cheddar cheese may reduce cariogenic bacteria in the mouth
- Cheddar cheese is a healthier snack alternative to sugary or carb-filled foods
Cheddar cheese may prevent cavities by increasing saliva production
Consuming dairy products is essential for maintaining good overall health, and it is especially important for bone health. However, there has been little research on how dairy products affect oral health. According to a few studies, consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.
A study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), found that consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities. The study sampled 68 subjects aged 12 to 15 and examined the dental plaque pH in their mouths before and after they consumed cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt. A pH level lower than 5.5 indicates a risk for tooth erosion, which wears away the enamel of the teeth. The subjects who ate cheese showed a rapid increase in pH levels, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.
The study indicated that the rise in pH levels from eating cheese may be due to increased saliva production, stimulated by the act of chewing. Saliva helps to maintain the mouth's baseline acidity level, and its alkaline nature buffers the acids formed in plaque. Additionally, the compounds in cheese may adhere to tooth enamel, further protecting the teeth from acid.
Cheese is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. The high calcium and phosphorus content is another factor in the cariostatic mechanism of cheese. Therefore, adding cheese to your diet may be a beneficial step towards improving your oral health and preventing cavities. However, it is important to note that maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are also crucial in preventing cavities.
Cheddar Cheese: Australia's Sharp Cheddar, Explained
You may want to see also
Cheddar cheese contains compounds that protect teeth from acid
Consuming dairy products is essential for maintaining good overall health, and it is especially important for bone health. However, there has been limited research on how dairy products affect oral health. According to a few studies, consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.
A study published in the May/June 2013 issue of the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry found that eating cheese can prevent cavities. The study sampled 68 subjects aged 12 to 15 and examined the dental plaque pH in their mouths before and after consuming cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt. A pH level lower than 5.5 indicates a risk for tooth erosion, which wears away the enamel of the teeth. The subjects who ate cheese showed a rapid increase in pH levels, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.
The increase in pH levels from eating cheese may be due to increased saliva production, caused by the action of chewing. Additionally, various compounds found in cheese may adhere to tooth enamel and help protect teeth from acid. These compounds include calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. The high calcium and phosphorus content in cheese is a factor in its cariostatic mechanism, which helps to reduce enamel demineralization.
Cheese is also a healthy alternative to sugary snacks and beverages, which can contribute to tooth decay. By adding cheese to your diet and avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, you can help prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.
Best Melting Cheddar: Brand Wars
You may want to see also
Cheddar cheese is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which strengthens teeth
Calcium is essential for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Cheddar cheese, being a rich source of calcium, can help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
Cheddar cheese is a dairy product that contains high levels of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is the main component of our teeth, and consuming an adequate amount of calcium-rich foods is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Cheddar cheese, as a calcium-rich food, can help to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
In addition to its calcium content, cheddar cheese also contains phosphorus, which is beneficial for dental health. Phosphorus plays a role in the cariostatic mechanism, helping to reduce enamel demineralization. This means that the phosphorus in cheddar cheese can help to protect tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Research has shown that consuming cheese may help protect teeth against cavities. A study published in the peer-reviewed journal *General Dentistry* found that eating cheese can increase pH levels in the mouth, creating an environment less conducive to tooth erosion and cavity formation. The increase in pH levels is likely due to the stimulation of saliva production when chewing cheese. The alkaline nature of saliva helps to neutralize the acids formed in plaque, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
While incorporating cheddar cheese into your diet can be beneficial for dental health, it is important to maintain a well-rounded approach to oral care. This includes avoiding sugary snacks and acidic drinks, practicing proper brushing and flossing habits, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings. By combining a balanced diet with consistent oral hygiene practices, you can effectively work towards achieving and maintaining a healthy, cavity-free mouth.
Cheddar Cheese: Does Aging Matter?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar cheese may reduce cariogenic bacteria in the mouth
Consuming dairy products is essential for maintaining good overall health, and it is particularly important for bone health. However, there is limited research on how dairy products affect oral health. According to a few studies, consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.
A study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), found that consuming cheese may help prevent cavities. The study sampled 68 subjects aged 12 to 15 and examined their dental plaque pH levels before and after consuming cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt. A pH level lower than 5.5 indicates a risk for tooth erosion, while a higher pH level above 5.5 reduces the likelihood of developing cavities. The results showed that subjects who ate cheese had a rapid increase in pH levels, suggesting that cheese may have anti-cavity properties.
The increase in pH levels from eating cheese is likely due to increased saliva production, stimulated by the act of chewing. Saliva helps to neutralize the acids formed in plaque and protects the teeth from erosion. Additionally, compounds found in cheese can adhere to tooth enamel, providing further protection against acid damage.
Research has also suggested that chewing cheese may reduce the levels of cariogenic bacteria in the mouth. This reduction in cariogenic bacteria may be due to the lower incidence of cavities, as the conditions within a carious lesion promote the growth of these bacteria. The high calcium and phosphorus content in cheese also contributes to its cariostatic properties, helping to reduce enamel demineralization.
While adding cheese to your diet may help prevent cavities, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Avoiding sugary snacks and beverages can also help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Maclaren's Imperial Cheese: Where to Buy the Cold Pack?
You may want to see also
Cheddar cheese is a healthier snack alternative to sugary or carb-filled foods
Cheese also has anti-cavity properties. A study published in the Academy of General Dentistry's peer-reviewed clinical journal, *General Dentistry*, found that eating cheese can prevent cavities. The study, which sampled 68 subjects aged 12 to 15, examined the dental plaque pH levels in the subjects' mouths before and after they consumed cheese, milk, or sugar-free yoghurt. It was found that those who ate cheese experienced a rapid increase in pH levels, indicating a lower risk of tooth erosion and a reduced chance of developing cavities.
The anti-cavity properties of cheese may be attributed to several factors. Firstly, chewing cheese stimulates saliva flow, and the alkaline nature of saliva helps to neutralise the acids formed in plaque. This increased saliva production may be caused by the action of chewing. Secondly, various compounds found in cheese may adhere to tooth enamel, providing further protection against acid. Thirdly, the high calcium and phosphorus content in cheese contributes to its cariostatic properties, reducing enamel demineralization.
Therefore, incorporating cheese into your diet as a snack or the final food of a meal can be a delicious and healthy way to help prevent cavities and strengthen your teeth. However, it is important to note that while cheese can be a healthier alternative to sugary or carb-filled snacks, maintaining good oral health also requires consistent oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
Cheddar Cheese and Breast Cancer: Is There a Link?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, according to a few studies, consuming cheddar cheese can help prevent cavities. The studies suggest that the use of cheese as the final food in a meal will help to reduce caries.
Cheddar cheese can help prevent cavities by reducing enamel demineralization. Chewing cheese stimulates saliva flow, which has an alkaline nature that buffers the acids formed in plaque.
In addition to cheddar cheese, other types of cheese such as Red Wine Extra Old Cheddar, Jalapeno Monterey Jack, and Maple Smoked Extra Old Cheddar can also help prevent cavities due to their high calcium content.
