Eating healthy, nourishing food has many benefits for your body. Dairy of all kinds is a popular choice to help support bone health because of all the nutrients it contains. Is dairy good for teeth, too? Here’s how dairy can affect your dental health.
What is Dairy?
Dairy is typically defined as any food product that is made from an animal’s milk. This can include cheese, yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, custard, cream, butter, and of course the milk you find in cartons on refrigerated shelves in the grocery store. With so many delicious ways to enjoy dairy, it’s important to know how it can impact your teeth.
How Dairy Affects Your Teeth
The short answer to the question, “Is dairy good for teeth?” is “Yes!” Now, let’s talk about the more detailed answer of why dairy is good for your teeth.
Dairy contains many essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that benefit your teeth, bones, and whole body. These include calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and protein. Dairy supports good dental health by supplying the necessary nutrients for strong teeth and bones, strengthening them from the inside out.
Just one 8 ounce glass of milk provides as much calcium as over 2 cups of broccoli! It also contains as much vitamin D as a small filet of fish. Who knew that such a delicious food could be so good for you?
How Much Dairy Do You Need?
The best way to find out how much dairy you should eat or drink each day is to talk with a registered nutritionist or dietitian. In general, the recommended amount varies between 2 to 4 cups of milk per day, or the equivalent in other low-fat dairy products such as yogurt. But the proper amount depends on a number of factors, such as your age, height, weight, activity level, cholesterol level, and other health conditions that can affect your requirements for calcium or vitamin D.
Talking with Your Dentist
If you’re wanting to eat healthy to help support the health of your teeth and bones, it can be helpful to talk with your dentist about questions like “Is dairy good for teeth?’ Your dentist will be happy to help you learn about which foods are good for your teeth and which ones are not, so that you can shape your diet to best support your dental health.
Call our Maricopa Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.