If you are a cheese lover, we’ve found one more reason for you to indulge in your favorite snack. Research shows that cheese might help prevent cavities and doesn’t have any harmful effects on your teeth like mouthwash can.
Cheese has a high mineral content and is loaded with calcium, phosphorous and protein, which all neutralize plaque. If plaque gets built up on your teeth it can lead to gum disease and cavities. The nutrients in cheese help prevent plaque build-up, as well as remineralize tooth enamel, which makes your teeth even stronger. The texture of cheese also helps your teeth through increasing saliva secretion. The more saliva you have in your mouth, the less likely you will get cavities or bad breath.
If you are like most people, you love sweets, but not what they do to your teeth. Yet, if you grab some cheese after eating your dessert, you can help balance out the negative effects that sugar can have on teeth.
For those who like to use mouthwash because of how it makes your breath fresh and tingly, you might want to switch to cheese instead. Mouthwash with chlorhexidine can cause stains on your teeth and affect your sense of taste. Try to stay away from mouthwash that contains alcohol because it might even increase your risk of oral cancer.
Try eating some cheese today to help fight cavities, but don’t forget to also brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and have a bi-annual check-up with your dentist. To set-up your next dental check-up, contact the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today.