The benefits of milk & calcium for teeth

Firstly, it is perhaps stating the obvious that milk contains calcium and there are many known benefits between this and good bone health including teeth also. Milk also contains a range of other properties which promote good bone / teeth health but these are less well known about – until now-

A substance called casein is present which is associated with a number of proteins which are thought to play a role in repairing the cavity of the tooth. This same substance also stops the building of bacteria on the surface of the tooth which has an obvious advantageous effect.

Milk also contains a range of other elements which combined together aid good oral health because of the antibacterial properties these ingredients have. These include:

* Phosphorus,

* Magnesium,

* Vitamin D.

The importance of starting early

It is widely believed that mothers to be can give their children a good head start to having healthy teeth and bones by upping their calcium content during pregnancy. Milk continues to be important during childhood and through the teenage years. At a time when the body is constantly growing and sometimes rapidly changing, the supply of calcium is needed for healthy progress.

… and continuing

The above doesn’t just apply to the early years either. Regularly drinking milk and gaining calcium through adulthood into older age can ensure bones and teeth remain strong and healthy ensuring some illnesses, degenerative conditions and teeth problems are kept at bay.

Things to consider

We have already touched on how milk or dairy products generally can help stop tooth decay in it’s tracks. Milk specifically is able to provide a coating to the teeth which makes it more difficult for the bacteria to ‘settle’ and thus prevent tooth decay in this way.

Did you know that nearly all of the calcium in your body is stored by your bones or teeth? Whilst it is correct that many foods contain calcium, there is something which is pure and authentic about milk which gives it advantages over anything else. The calcium through the milk is far more likely to be absorbed and quicker through your body also making it a better option.

Different members of the population require different levels of calcium but the same central message of inclusion in diet applies. Most adults require around 1000mg per day, with other specific groups (including children) requiring around 1300-1400 mg per day. To put this into context an average glass of milk contains around 300-400mg.

Not everything is straightforward and sometimes (and for necessary reasons) people can’t include milk or dairy products into their diet – being lactose intolerant is a perfect example of this. Fortunately there are even ways round this so no one need lose out to a calcium deficiency impacting their bones or teeth.

To ask us about anything dental related (including to find our location) visit our contact page.