Milk is packed with calcium, a mineral that supports dental health.
It’s no secret that good dietary choices play an important role in maintaining optimal oral health. Certain vitamins and minerals can go a long way toward keeping our teeth and gums in good condition. Yet, some foods and drinks, especially those that are particularly sugary and/or acidic, should be enjoyed in moderation only. One of the best additions to a balanced diet is milk. Packed with calcium, milk, and other dairy products can help to keep tooth decay at bay and offer a range of other benefits. Read on to find out why milk is good for your smile and how to ensure you are getting enough every day…
How much milk do you need?
Milk and other dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, a mineral naturally stored in the teeth and bones. Calcium supports many of the body’s key processes and is actually the most abundant mineral in the body.
In Australia, the recommended daily intake (RDI) of calcium for adults between the ages of 19 and 50 is 100mg/day. This increases to 1300mg/day for women over 50 years old and men over the age of 70 years old. Calcium is not produced in the body, which means that it must be absorbed from the foods and drinks we consume.
One cup of dairy milk contains around 300mg of calcium, while a cup of fortified regular soy milk contains around the same amount of the mineral. A 200g tub of yoghurt contains almost 400mg of calcium, and a slice of cheddar cheese contains around 160mg of calcium.
Why is milk good for your teeth?
Milk and other calcium-rich dairy products like cheese and yoghurt are good for the teeth for many reasons. These foods and drinks contain high levels of the minerals calcium and phosphorus, both of which help to repair damaged teeth and replace minerals that are lost in the enamel.
They also contain casein proteins, which form a protective layer on the surface of the teeth and protect the enamel from decay. One of the benefits of dairy products is that they are generally pH-neutral. It means they can help to neutralise some of the effects of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. If you enjoy a sweet treat, eat a piece of cheese afterwards to enjoy this benefit.
Dairy products also promote the production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays an important role in keeping the mouth moist and clean and helps maintain the condition of the teeth.
How can you include more milk in your diet?
The easiest way to get your recommended daily calcium intake is to consume milk. The good news is that there are plenty of other sources of the mineral if you prefer. Calcium-rich dairy foods include yoghurt, cheese, and buttermilk. If you are unable to eat dairy, try calcium-fortified soy milk instead.
You can also get your calcium fix in dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, soybeans, canned salmon, calcium-fortified orange juices, and cereals.
How can we help?
At Lara Smile Group, we love to help our patients maintain optimal oral and general health. If you have a question about your diet and its impact on your smile, we encourage you to come in and see us. Our team is happy to discuss any concerns you have and provide you with the advice and information you need to take proper care of your teeth.
It is important to remember that while your diet plays an important part in maintaining your wellness, there is no substitute for good oral hygiene when it comes to looking after your smile. We encourage all our patients to commit to healthy oral habits and to come in and see us for regular check-ups and cleans.
To find out more about the full range of services we provide at Lara Smile Group, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call at 03 5282 1681.