How Cheese Can Prevent Cavities To Your Teeth

Dairy products are vital for your overall health, in particular, your bone health. Dairy products contain calcium and phosphorus which strengthen your bones. According to research, eating cheese can rapidly increase the pH levels in your mouth. The lower your pH levels are, the higher your risk for tooth erosion, a process that wears away your tooth enamel. This means, the higher your pH level is above 5.5, the less likely you are to develop cavities.

Today, we will be looking at a study that examined the dental plaque pH in 68 subjects’ mouths before and after consuming dairy products. The study conducted, compared the following 3 dairy groups, cheese, milk, and sugar-free yogurt. Researches assigned the subjects groups and instructed them to consume their products for 3 minutes and to rinse with water afterward. The pH level of the subject’s mouths was measured 10, 20 and 30 minutes after consumption.

The results revealed, that the subjects who consumed milk and sugar-free yogurt experienced zero pH level changes in their mouths. The subjects who consumed cheese exhibited a rapid increase in the pH levels after 10, 20 and 30 minutes of consumption. The findings suggest, that cheese contain anti-cavity properties.

So how does cheese prevent cavities to your teeth?

• It increases your production of alkaline saliva to wash away sugar and bacteria
• It creates a protective layer around your teeth and neutralizes plaque acid

The study concluded that eating cheese increases your saliva production, thus contributing to rising pH levels in the mouth. Additionally, cheese is comprised of various compounds which may cling to your tooth enamel and protect your teeth from destructive acid. Simply put, this healthy alternative to a high carb or sugary snack is good for your oral health and can also prevent cavities.

The Best Cheeses

Now that we know this calcium-rich snack can restore enamel and prevent cavities to your teeth, let’s take a look at which cheeses offer the most dental benefits.

Did you know, there are over 1,000 types of cheese? The next time you go grocery shopping, try buying some of the following options.

Aged cheese

• Monterey Jack
• Cheddar

Soft-ripened cheese

• Brie
• Camembert

Blue cheese

• Gorgonzola
• Roquefort

The Worst Cheeses

The following are some processed cheese examples that contain added sugars and reduced cheese content. These cheese products wear down your enamel, and can’t prevent cavities to your teeth.  

• Pre-packaged cheese dips
• Cheese sprays
• American cheese

Cavity Prevention

Good oral hygiene and dental care can reduce your risk of developing cavities and tooth decay. Now, let’s take a look at some other ways you can prevent cavities to your teeth asides from eating cheese.

1. Brush at least twice per day: you should be brushing your teeth a minimum of twice per day, ideally after every meal using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing and can reverse early tooth decay.
2. Floss regularly: you should be flossing to remove plaque and food build-up between your teeth. Flossing can prevent cavities to your teeth and can reduce your risk for gingivitis and gum disease.
3. Visit your dentist regularly: you should visit your dentist in Winnipeg every 6 months for a professional dental cleaning and exam. Your dentist can remove plaque from your teeth and can detect oral issues early on for prompt treatment.
4. Eat a balanced diet: when you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth feed off it and produces acid, which causes tooth decay.

Dr. Greg Wolfram is a dentist in Winnipeg and the proud owner of All Seasons Dental Clinic. He previously taught at the University of Manitoba and has completed numerous post-graduate continuing education programs. He has been practicing dentistry for 36 years with a focus on family and cosmetic dental services. He is dedicated to providing personalized care to address all of his patient's dental needs.