Eating Cheese May Be A Good Way To Prevent Cavities In Children, Adolescents

A U.S. study conducted among 68 children ages 12 to 15 finds that eating cheese significantly lowers the risk of dental cavities by lowering the acidic environment in the mouth. The researchers looked at the dental plaque pH in the children’s mouths both before and after eating cheese, milk and sugar-free yogurt. A pH value lower than 5.5. (acidic) puts the teeth at risk for cavities, while a high pH lowers the risk. Drinking milk and eating yogurt had no effect on pH values, but eating cheese rapidly raised pH levels, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.