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Cheese: Your Smile's Secret Weapon!
2 Dec
Summary
- Certain cheeses strengthen tooth enamel with calcium and phosphorus.
- Casein protein in hard, aged cheeses prevents cavities and sensitivity.
- Chewing cheddar boosts saliva, neutralizing harmful acids and bacteria.
Cheese offers surprising benefits for dental health, with certain varieties actively working to protect your teeth. Aged and natural cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack, are rich in calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are crucial for strengthening tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, and can help remineralize them.
The protein casein, found abundantly in hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, forms a protective film on teeth. This film helps fend off cavity-causing acids and can reduce tooth sensitivity. Furthermore, the act of chewing cheese, particularly cheddar, stimulates saliva production, which is vital for rinsing away harmful sugars and bacteria.
Saliva naturally raises the mouth's pH, buffering acids from food and drinks, thereby reducing enamel erosion and inhibiting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Studies indicate that cheddar cheese can elevate pH levels for a significant period, offering sustained protection, though it's best enjoyed without acidic pairings like wine or crackers.
