Cheese and your child's oral health

Did you know research shows cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child’s teeth? Not only does cheese provide large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also fights cavities. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss and Mozzarella all do their part to stimulate our salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris …and protect them from acids that weaken them.

What does that mean? Cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque’s pH level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child’s teeth.

Hope this helps!

From Dr. Clark and the team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

The importance of dairy, from Drs. Clark and Reddy

Is dairy a major part of your child's diet? A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower chances of contracting periodontal disease (known also as gum disease).

Drs. Clark and Reddy will tell you gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of osteoporosis, respiratory disease, stroke and heart disease.

Results of the study showed that people who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time your child reaches for a quick snack, remind him or her to choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip your child is preserving their teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, give us a call at 713.436.4080.