Dental health

Dairy foods including milk, cheese and yoghurt have a specific role to play in dental health. They contain a unique combination of special anti-decay and protective nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and the protein, casein.

The role of milk, cheese and yoghurt in dental health

Studies show that milk, yoghurt and hard cheese are not linked to dental erosion.^{1, 2} In addition, research has also shown calcium, casein and whey are inversely associated with periodontitis (gum disease) in adults.³

Casein, when combined with calcium and phosphorus in saliva, can assist with remineralisation of tooth enamel by providing a protective film over the tooth, reducing the risk of decay.^{4, 5}

Milk has been linked to decreased risk of cavities, making it a good drink choice between meals. Milk, naturally contains the sugars lactose and galactose, which are regarded as less cariogenic than other sugars, especially when they are accompanied by calcium in dairy products which can counter potential damage to teeth.⁶ Flavoured milks are a good alternative to sugar sweetened beverages (soft drinks, sports drinks, cordials etc.) or juices as they are non-acidic and contain teeth-friendly nutrients.⁷

The following figure shows the erosive nature of different drinks:

Like milk, yoghurt also has a negligible or low impact on tooth decay if the sugar content is 5% or less.⁸ As food labels in Australia list ‘total sugars’ as opposed to ‘added sugars’ (and because milk and yoghurt naturally contain lactose), look for flavoured milks and flavoured yoghurt that contain 10g per 100mL or less of ‘total sugars’.

Studies have also shown eating hard cheese is linked to decreased risk of dental cavities and erosion. Eating a small piece of cheese after consuming sugary food or drink is recommended to help protect teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay – this is because cheese helps to stimulate salivary flow which neutralises the acid pH of the mouth following exposure to sugar.⁹ Saliva is the body’s natural defence against tooth decay and tooth erosion.

Despite these benefits to dental health, only one quarter of females and half of the Australian adult male population met their calcium requirements in the latest National Health Survey.¹⁰ Milk, cheese and yoghurt are the richest sources of calcium in the Australian diet¹¹ however most Australians need to increase their daily serves to meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommendations.

Diet and dental health explained

Results from the latest National Health Survey show Australians are overconsuming discretionary (‘junk’) foods and are not consuming enough foods from the five food groups. It was revealed that 34% of the Australian population consume sugar-sweetened beverages including soft drinks, sports drinks, flavoured mineral water and juices.¹² Sugar-sweetened beverages vary in the quantity and nature of the sugars they contain, for example diet soft drinks are lower in sugar, or contain artificial sweeteners. While these types of drinks are lower in kilojoules than standard varieties, they are still acidic meaning consumption may be associated with increased risk of tooth erosion.¹³

It’s not only the type of sugary drink or food that's consumed, but also the amount and frequency of consumption.¹⁴ The frequency of snacking and sipping on sugary and acidic drinks should be limited to decrease the risk of developing tooth decay. It’s for this reason that if sugary foods and drinks are consumed, they should be consumed as part of a meal, which reduces frequency of acid attacks.¹⁵

Looking after our teeth is a lifelong commitment. Here are some tooth-friendly tips for your patients about what to eat and drink:

1. When possible, drink tap water, rather than bottled water, as it usually contains fluoride at a level that helps to protect against tooth decay.¹⁶
2. Offer children milk or water – the only recommended drinks for children.
3. Limit intake of sugary drinks and foods. Sugary drinks include soft drinks, sports drinks, vitamin waters, cordials, fruit juice, fruit drinks and energy drinks.
4. Limit intake of acidic drinks, such as fruit juice, sports drinks, soft drinks, wine, alcopops and ‘diet’ or artificially sweetened soft drinks.

Dental health resources

Dental health posters
Download the Dental health poster

Dental health fact sheets
Download the Dental health fact sheet
Download the Good health fact sheet - Drinks for Children

Dental health position papers
Download the Dairy and dental health paper