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Cheddar, Swiss, Brie, Gouda -- every variety is a winner!
iStockphoto/ThinkstockIt might not be surprising, but it’s worth repeating: Sugary desserts can seriously harm your teeth. Not only do they add hundreds of calories to your daily intake, but those cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, and hot fudge sundaes you indulge in after meals are also damaging your smile.
Consuming excessive sugar is one of the quickest ways to damage your teeth. Your mouth is home to hundreds of bacteria species, all of which feed on sugar. When you eat something sweet, these bacteria stick to your teeth, forming plaque and turning sugar into acid that erodes your enamel. If you don’t remove the plaque effectively — particularly after enjoying that slice of apple pie with ice cream — it hardens into tartar, significantly raising your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Even if you know all about the dangers of tooth decay, you might still crave something sweet after meals. What else could possibly replace desserts like banana splits or chocolate chip cookies? Surprisingly, the answer is cheese. While it may not seem as exciting, cheese actually helps clean your teeth.
Curious how? Keep reading to learn more.
How Cheese Neutralizes Acids in Your Mouth
We all know vegetables are great for our teeth, and the reasons are clear. They’re low in sugar, and chewing crunchy veggies can help scrub your teeth. But what makes cheese such a powerful tooth cleaner? Here’s a quick explanation (you’ll see how a small amount of cheese can make a big difference):
- Cheese boosts saliva production, which reduces acidity in the mouth, shields teeth from acid, and helps remove food debris.
- Lactose, the sugar in cow’s milk, is the least likely to cause cavities compared to other sugars.
- The fat in cheese decreases harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Cheese contains phosphorus and calcium, which stabilize pH levels and help rebuild tooth enamel.
Cheese is beneficial for your teeth whenever you consume it, but studies indicate it’s particularly effective after meals or sugary beverages. While a few cubes or slices of cheese might not curb your sugar craving like a piece of chocolate cake would, consider it a small trade-off that could protect your teeth in the long term.
If you’ve indulged in a sugary dessert or something else harmful to your teeth, avoid brushing immediately — wait around 30 minutes. The acid from the food softens your enamel, and brushing too soon can cause further damage.
