Kamil Perry
Cheese is often touted as a superfood for teeth, as it is packed with calcium and can restore tooth enamel. However, melted cheese tends to stick to teeth, which can be attributed to the presence of dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health issues if not removed through proper oral hygiene practices. While cheese has dental health benefits, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and practice good oral hygiene, including regular dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing, to maintain optimal oral health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for sticking | The protein casein coats teeth with a protective film, which helps to fend off acid that would normally attack tooth enamel |
| Solution | Eat cheese after a meal to counteract the acid left behind by the food |
| Recommended cheese | Sheep and goat's cheeses, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheeses |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese is a superfood for teeth
Cheese also increases saliva production, which washes away sugar, bacteria, and acid. This is important because saliva acts as a natural mouthwash, cleansing the mouth and reducing the risk of cavities. Chewing cheese stimulates saliva flow, and the alkaline nature of saliva neutralises the acids formed in plaque. This helps to balance the pH level in the mouth, creating a less acidic environment, which is better for dental health.
Research has shown that eating cheese can reduce the levels of cariogenic bacteria in the mouth, which is likely due to the reduced incidence of caries as carious lesions promote the growth of these bacteria. The high calcium and phosphorus content of cheese is another factor in its cariostatic mechanism.
Cheese is a great snack to have after a meal to counteract the acid left behind by food, making it a great choice for dessert! It is also a good idea to eat cheese before or after eating foods that could be harmful to teeth, to help ward off bacteria. However, it is important to remember that cheese should not be considered a replacement for routine oral health care and regular visits to the dentist.
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Calcium and phosphorus strengthen teeth
Cheese is considered a superfood for teeth because it can combat acid erosion. Acid from foods like bread, sweets, citrus fruits, and soda causes tooth decay. Eating cheese after a meal can help neutralise this acid, making it a good choice for dessert.
Cheese is rich in calcium, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Calcium helps to maintain the integrity of gum tissues, keeping them strong and resilient, and protecting teeth from disease.
Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are all essential for maintaining strong teeth. Phosphorus helps to fortify the enamel and support the structure of teeth. Enamel is the remarkable substance that protects teeth from daily wear and tear.
To incorporate more calcium and phosphorus into your diet, eat dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and cheese, as well as fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
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Casein and whey protein build up enamel
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it can demineralize over time, weakening the enamel and leading to cavities, chips, and tooth sensitivity. Once tooth enamel has worn away, it will not grow back.
Cheese is considered a superfood for teeth because it contains casein and whey protein, which help to reduce enamel demineralization. Casein, a milk-derived protein, coats the teeth with a protective film that helps to fend off acid that would otherwise attack tooth enamel. Whey protein also helps to reduce fissure caries. In addition, cheese stimulates saliva flow, which washes away sugar, bacteria, and acid.
Research supports the benefits of casein and whey protein for dental health. A study on rats found that a 2% solution of casein in drinking water reduced the extent of fissure and smooth-surface caries in rats consuming a cariogenic diet. Another study found that casein and fluoride reduced enamel surface softening compared to deionized water.
While cheese can help to protect tooth enamel, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices and visit the dentist regularly.
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Chewing cheese stimulates saliva flow
While cheese is known to be beneficial for dental health, it is also notorious for sticking to teeth. This is due to a combination of factors, including the protein casein, which coats the teeth and helps protect against acid erosion, and the stimulation of saliva flow during chewing, which aids in washing away sugar and bacteria.
Cheese is a dairy product that contains calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong teeth and bones. It also contains casein and whey protein, which help to build up tooth enamel and prevent cavities. These proteins create a protective film on the teeth that guards against harmful acids.
The act of chewing cheese increases saliva production, creating a natural cleansing process in the mouth. This can help to counteract the acids left behind by meals, making cheese an ideal dessert option. However, it is important to note that the benefits of cheese for oral health do not replace the need for routine oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups.
While cheese can be a beneficial addition to a meal or snack, it is important to choose the right types of cheese. Sheep and goat cheeses are considered better for oral health and digestion compared to cheeses made from cow's milk. Additionally, opting for flourless crackers or raw vegetables as accompaniments can further enhance the dental benefits of cheese.
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Cheese after a meal can counteract acid
Eating cheese after a meal can help counteract the acid left behind by certain foods, making it a great choice for dessert! The protein in cheese, called casein, coats the teeth with a protective film that helps defend against acid that would otherwise attack tooth enamel. Cheese also increases saliva production, which washes away sugar, bacteria, and acid.
However, it's important to note that not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to their acid-neutralising properties. Sheep and goat's cheeses are better for you and easier on the digestive system than cheese made from cow's milk. Some cheeses, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheeses, are also better at protecting your teeth.
While cheese can be a helpful tool in combating acid erosion, it's not a cure-all. For example, it's important to consider what you eat with your cheese. Saltine crackers, for instance, are the number one most cavity-causing food. Instead, opt for a flourless cracker or have your cheese on its own.
Additionally, while cheese can help neutralise acid in the mouth, it's important to remember that a diet that includes too many acid-producing foods, such as animal proteins and some cheeses, can cause acidity in your urine, potentially leading to issues like uric acid stones (a type of kidney stone). However, conflicting evidence exists, and some sources suggest that consuming acidic or alkaline foods is unlikely to affect the pH level of your blood significantly.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese contains a protein called casein, which coats your teeth and forms a barrier against acids that can erode the enamel. This protective film makes it harder for saliva to wash away the cheese residue, hence why it feels like melted cheese sticks to your teeth.
You only need a 1/3-ounce serving, or about a third of a slice, to get the protective benefits of cheese.
Yes, cheese is a source of calcium and phosphorus, which help to build stronger bones and teeth. It also contains teeth-strengthening casein phosphate.
