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How Eating Dairy Foods Could Reduce Your Risk of Developing Cavities

Posted on 7/12/2021 by Office of Dr. James A. Krippaehne

Apart from regular flossing, brushing, and avoiding sugary foods, eating dairy foods will help reduce the risk of developing cavities. Consuming dairy foods is essential in maintaining excellent overall health, given their importance to bone health. Here are ways dairy foods can help reduce the risk of dental cavities.

Dairy Foods and their Impact on Cavities

One factor that contributes to the development of cavities is acidic conditions in the mouth. When your mouth has a pH level of less than 5, you are at a higher risk of developing cavities and tooth decay. This is because the acid eats away the tooth's protective layer, known as the enamel. With a pH level of 6 and above, there are lesser chances of developing cavities. This underlines the importance of eliminating the acidic conditions in your mouth.

One proven way you can do this is by eating dairy foods. Research shows that consuming dairy products like cheese can help maintain neutral conditions in your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth cavities. These products can also raise the pH levels, reducing the acidic conditions. Dairy foods are a great alternative to eating sticky and sugary snacks, given their role in preventing tooth cavities.

Apart from preventing cavities, there are many other benefits of dairy foods. These products contain calcium, a nutrient that can help strengthen your bones and teeth. In addition, dairy products contain vitamins that help repair and build muscle tissues. The presence of potassium in these products also makes your teeth' enamel stronger and resistant to corrosion. This helps prevent cases of tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria. There is also lactic acid in milk that kills bacteria that can cause cavities. This goes a long way in keeping your teeth safe. For more information on the importance of eating dairy foods, contact our offices.

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Dental Blog | West End Dental | Portland, OR
West End Dental, 833 SW 11th Ave, Suite 300 Portland, OR 97205 / (503) 446-2957 / west-end-dental.com / 1/12/2025 / Page Keywords: dentist Downtown Portland /