We all know that dairy products are packed with calcium, which plays a crucial role in keeping teeth and bones strong. However, not all dairy products offer the same benefits for your oral health. At Tyee Dental, your trusted dentist in Lacey, we want to share a surprising fact—cheese not only strengthens your teeth but also helps protect against cavities!
How Does Cheese Help Prevent Cavities?
When your child eats cheese, it stimulates saliva production, which is essential for washing away harmful sugars, acids, and bacteria from the teeth. Cheese is also rich in calcium and phosphorus, two key minerals that help strengthen tooth enamel and protect teeth. Research has shown that some compounds in cheese stick to the tooth’s surface, providing an additional layer of protection against the acids in the mouth.
Are All Cheeses the Same?
Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to dental benefits. To get the most out of your child’s cheese intake, choose real, natural cheeses rather than processed varieties. Processed cheeses, like American cheese, cheese dips, or spray cheeses, often contain added sugars and less actual cheese content, which can be harmful to your child’s teeth. These products not only lack the protective benefits of real cheese but may even contribute to enamel erosion and increased risk of tooth decay.
What Types of Cheese Are Best?
There are countless real cheese varieties available that are packed with tooth-friendly nutrients. If your child enjoys aged cheeses, options like Cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack are excellent choices. If they prefer softer cheeses, try Mozzarella, Brie, or Camembert. For a child with a more adventurous palate, varieties like Gorgonzola or Roquefort can be a great way to mix things up while still supporting their dental health.
What If We’re on a Low-Fat Diet?
The good news is that low-fat or non-fat versions of your favorite cheeses provide the same dental benefits as their full-fat counterparts. They still contain the same levels of calcium, phosphorus, and tooth-protecting compounds, making them a great option for maintaining oral health while sticking to a healthy diet.
Healthy Snacking with Cheese
With so many delicious and healthy cheeses to choose from, consider offering your child cheese as a snack or an after-meal treat instead of sugary or starchy options. Not only does cheese taste great, but it also supports healthy teeth!
For more ideas on how to incorporate tooth-friendly snacks into your child’s diet, or for any other dental concerns, contact Tyee Dental, your trusted dentist in Lacey. We’re here to help keep your family’s smiles bright and healthy!