Jun 19 2022 10:21
When you think of strong teeth and bones, you probably seek to drink cow’s milk. But is milk good for your teeth, or are there ways you can harm it?
With more and more people choosing a vegan diet, there is a need for vegan alternatives to cow’s milk (which has a similar nutritional composition).
But a vegan diet is more affordable than ever, and many plant-based foods are rich in calcium, which means you don’t need to rely on cow’s milk to get your daily dose.
How does milk affect dental health?
Milk is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous, two minerals that the body uses to maintain bones and teeth. It is also used for muscle contractions (including the heartbeat) and for normal blood clotting. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and 98% of it is stored in our skeleton, which our body uses as a storehouse to continuously remodel our bones throughout our lives. For good dental health, you need to make sure that you consume enough calcium each day to replenish this reservoir, as this is what your body uses to make enamel and dentin.
Dentist, Dr. Sunita de Zoisa, explains that milk is rich in a variety of minerals that help contribute to dental health.
“Milk contains many beneficial minerals, vitamins and proteins, which makes it a great drink for your health and your teeth,” she says. Milk also contains casein proteins, which form a protective layer on the surface of your teeth, protecting against cavities. It also contains vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium and phosphorous from your diet, as well as helping to repair damaged dentin and fight gum disease by aiding the immune system and reducing gingivitis.
In addition to being rich in calcium, milk is high in a sugar called lactose (which some people can’t digest). If these sugars are eaten too close to bedtime and without brushing your teeth, these sugars will act like any other sugar and contribute to the development of tooth decay. The bacteria in our mouths love sugar, and produce acids that dissolve the enamel layer over time, which is why it is recommended to brush your teeth right before bed.
Tarun Nagpal, a dentist, explains that calcium is important for the growth of children. “Cow’s milk is a great source of calcium, which is essential during childhood for the growth and development of your teeth and bones,” he says.
It is also said that milk is useful as a drink that protects the enamel if consumed after a meal. One of the most important things about milk is that it helps neutralize acid or sugar attacks, so it is beneficial to have it after a meal or snack. It also stimulates the production of saliva, which, due to its composition, has antimicrobial and neutralizing properties, and is useful in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Do you need to drink milk to get calcium?
While milk is the most well-known source of calcium, many foods contain the mineral in abundance. Some, such as meat substitutes and dairy-free milk, are fortified with calcium; Oat milk and coconut milk are good vegan alternatives to cow’s milk.
Source: agencies
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