Milk contains calcium, which is necessary for building strong bones and teeth. However, the other ingredients in milk might promote tooth decay, so you cannot rely solely on milk to promote healthy teeth. The most effective approach is to visit your dentist regularly, brush your teeth often and eat a balanced diet that contains all the nutrients, including calcium, that your body needs.
Function
The enamel that covers the outside of your teeth releases calcium and phosphate ions, which your saliva can replace if you follow a balanced diet that supplies your body with all the necessary nutrients. However, if you eat sugar too often and allow it to stay in your mouth for long periods, the bacteria in your mouth can produce plaque, which eventually becomes an acid that can eat away the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities and other dental problems.
Expert Insight
While milk is a good source of calcium, it contains sugar as well. Milk is also one of a number of substances that cling to your teeth for a long time. The result is that milk can lead to tooth decay because it stays in your mouth long enough for bacteria to produce plaque. Other substances that cling to your teeth include ice cream, honey, soda, table sugar, dried fruits, sweet baked goods, candy, dry cereal, chips and breath mints, according to MayoClinic.com.
Significance
Milk, baby formula and fruit juices pose a special risk to the teeth of babies. The amount of risk depends on how often your child drinks liquids or eats foods containing sugar, as well as how long the sugar remains on your child's teeth. For example, allowing your child to sleep or walk around with a sippy cup or bottle that contains a sugar-containing liquid increases exposure to sugar and consequently intensifies tooth decay.
Considerations
Brush your teeth often to minimize tooth decay from foods or liquids that spur the growth of plaque, including milk products. This allows you to obtain all the nutrients milk has to offer, including calcium, while minimizing the risk of tooth decay. Ask your child's dentist or pediatrician how to minimize tooth decay. Typically, after feeding young children, you should wipe their teeth and gums with clean gauze or a washcloth. You also can use the cloth or gauze to clean their teeth with nonfluoridated toothpaste until they're old enough to brush with regular toothpaste.
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