We’ve all heard the common phrase “milk can build strong bones!” But what does it really mean for your dental health? Seeing as this Saturday, January 11th is National Milk Day, we wanted to take a deeper dive into the world of milk. Join us as we answer questions regarding milk, calcium, and your teeth!
What types of Food contain Calcium?
As we all know, a healthy diet of balanced nutritious food is key to a healthy life. This includes our oral health! According to the ADA, the three most common nutrients needed to build healthy bones and teeth are Calcium, Phosphorous, and Vitamin D. Some Calcium-containing foods are broccoli, cabbage, oranges, salmon, beans, and of course dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk.
How is Milk Good for My Teeth?
In recent studies, findings have observed that drinking milk can actually help to prevent tooth decay and help strengthen tooth enamel. More specifically, research has shown that milk and dairy products contain a protein called Casein. When combined with calcium and phosphorus, casein creates a protective protein film over the enamel surface of the tooth. This has the ability to reduce the risk of tooth decay and increase enamel strength!
How Much Milk Should I Be Drinking?
Overall, it’s more important to be intaking a certain amount of calcium in your diet – and not all necessarily from milk. But when it comes down to it, the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calcium is by having 3 servings of dairy products per day according to the American Heart Association.
The benefits of drinking milk are not limited to just healthy teeth but also a healthy body. When combined with a nutritious diet full of vitamins and minerals, drinking milk can ultimately lead to lower caries, less chance of tooth loss, and stronger tooth enamel. As always, if you have any questions regarding your oral health and wish to speak to a medical professional, please contact our doctors by filling out our online form or email us at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Written by: Kaitlin Painter, Digital Marketing & Content Manager