The Link Between Yogurt & Healthy Teeth

Yogurt is considered a superfood! Not just for your overall health, but for your dental health too. Because yogurt has recently become so popular for people who are looking to improve their health, it’s easier to find than ever. Studies conducted over many years have consistently shown that yogurt can benefit the body and teeth in many different ways.

How Yogurt Can Improve Oral Health

Below are a few of the ways that eating yogurt can improve your dental health and that of your entire family:

• Improves the health of gum tissue – In a recent study of 1,000 adults, it was proven that the adults who ate the most yogurt had the healthiest gum tissue. This is due to probiotics found in yogurt. Probiotics are good bacteria that helps to slow the growth of germs and ‘bad bacteria’ that can cause gum disease.
• Strengthens tooth enamel – Yogurt is packed with calcium, which helps to strengthen the bones and the teeth. Calcium will maintain the bone density, which is especially important for growing children. For adults, calcium will help keep the tooth enamel strong and healthy.
• Balances PH levels in the mouth – The types of bacteria that can cause dental cavities and tooth decay tend to thrive in highly acidic environments. Yogurt is able to help balance the PH levels in the mouth, lowering the acidity and ridding the mouth of germs and bacteria.
• Helps fight bad breath germs – Lastly, eating 6 ounces of yogurt each day can help reduce hydrogen sulfide, which is a compound that contributes to bad breath. The probiotics in yogurt help to keep the smelly bacteria in check.

If you’re purchasing yogurt to improve the health of your family, we recommend going with sugar-free, plain, Greek yogurt. This is because Greek yogurt has the highest number of probiotics. If it’s tough to get your family to eat sugar-free, plain yogurt, feel free to add some fresh fruit or a little bit of artificial sweetener to the yogurt.

For more tips on keeping your family’s teeth healthy or to make an appointment for routine dental cleanings and exams, please contact Meadows Family Dental. Our office is located here in beautiful Castle Rock, Colorado.