Strong teeth are a vital part of good health, allowing you to chew your food properly as the first step of the digestive process. Your teeth consist of four tissues: pulp, which is soft and noncalcified, and cementum, dentin and enamel, tissues that contain calcium and make your teeth hard. Milk contains ingredients to help strengthen the calcified components of your teeth, particularly during their development phase. Seek the advice of a dental professional if you have concerns about the strength of your teeth.
Background
The development of both your primary and permanent teeth begins well before you are born. Your teeth develop with the formation of a protein matrix filled in with calcium, phosphorus and fluoride -- a process called mineralization -- that gives structure and durability to your teeth. Poor prenatal nutrition may result in late-erupting teeth that are structurally unsound and prone to cavities. Once your teeth emerge, your diet continues to affect their mineralization and enamel formation. Milk contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin D to help develop and strengthen teeth.
Calcium and Phosphorus
During tooth development, both calcium and phosphorus deposit in the protein matrix of your teeth to create a substance called hydroxyapatite. This mineral formation provides solid structure to your teeth. Fluoride can also be incorporated into the mineralized matrix. The combination of fluoride, calcium and phosphorus forms a complex known as fluorapatite, which provides even greater strength and structural integrity to your teeth than hydroxyapatite. Milk is rich in both calcium and phosphorus to supply you with these essential teeth-strengthening nutrients.
Vitamins A and D
In addition to calcium and phosphorus, vitamins A and D are both required for tooth development. The enamel tissue of your teeth contains a protein called keratin. The synthesis of keratin requires vitamin A. Vitamin D help your body absorb calcium and, in tooth formation, it works by helping deposit calcium and phosphorus crystals into the tooth matrix to form hydroxyapatite. Fortified milk products contain both vitamin A and vitamin D, helping your body develop strong teeth.
Other Considerations
Once your teeth are fully developed, they undergo little structural change unless damaged by injury or poor food choices that may lead to tooth decay. Including milk rather than sweet drinks in your diet may help strengthen your teeth by reducing their exposure to high levels of sugars that may lead to cavities. In addition, milk reduces the acidity of your mouth, which decreases plaque formation and lowers your risk of tooth decay.
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