I think my favorite food in the entire world is cheese. Plenty of times I’ve looked at a menu and thought that if there wasn’t cheese on it or with it, what is the point in eating it? There aren’t many varieties that taste terrible on their own, and cheese likely can improve whatever dish it is being added to. Cheese still gets a pretty negative rep, though. It’s high in saturated fat, calories, and sodium, all of which can affect heart health. It is also a great source of nutrients, however, and it’s a good snack to lean on for some quick fuel that will keep you fuller for longer.
But if you had any doubts, know that cheese, specifically cheddar, has an underrated perk: It’s good for your teeth. In 2015, a Danish study uncovered that cheese (and dairy products in general) can protect your teeth from cavities. In fact, the study revealed that kids with a higher dairy intake were likely to be cavity-free after three years over children who had a lower regular intake.
Recently, Parade consulted with practicing dentists, and they revealed that cheddar cheese specifically is what is best for your teeth.
“Saliva naturally raises the mouth’s pH, buffering acids from foods and drinks, as well as acid that is produced by oral bacteria. Lower mouth acidity reduces enamel erosion and helps prevent the conditions that allow cavity-causing bacteria to thrive,” Dr. Sandip Sacha, a dentist in New York City, told the outlet.
The American Dental Association also notes that the production of saliva helps teeth by washing away debris and food from gums and teeth that allow cavities to fester.
Riven Oral Health co-founder Dr. Fatima Khan also told Parade cheddar cheese strengthens the enamel of your teeth: “It contains essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus that help strengthen and remineralize enamel.”
She added that cheddar cheese has the helpful combination of calcium and the protein casein, which join forced to help repair enamel demineralization or weakened spots.
“Casein can form a protective barrier over your tooth to further protect the enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. It helps prevent cavities and sensitivity. A stronger enamel is important for function and normal wear,” she noted.
Of course, cheese isn’t the only good food for your teeth. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables such as apples help produce more saliva, which teeth clearly benefit from. Also, it states that both green and black tea each have polyphenols, which helps combat plaque buildup.
Of course, none of this replaces good-old-fashioned brushing and flossing, but it definitely helps keep things in line. So the next time someone pokes fun at your “girl dinner” cheese plate, just tell them you take your oral health more seriously than they do, obviously.
