Say “Cheese” please to Help your Teeth

 According to recent studies, cheese is not only a chief source of calcium, it also can help prevent tooth decay. During June, Dairy Month, the California Dental Association (CDA) is urging Americans to make sure they get an adequate amount of calcium in their diet and eat plenty of cheese.
From a dental health perspective, cheese is a terrific source of calcium, and one of the safest snack foods. Research indicates that processed cheese can actually help rebuild tooth surfaces that have begun to weaken from decay. Additionally, cheese can help counter the effects of the acids produced by the bacteria in plaque, the hard substance. Aged cheddar cheese aids in the re-mineralization of tooth surfaces and arrests the early development of cavities.
The need for calcium for strong jaw bones, decay-resistant teeth and healthy gums starts even before birth. A baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth months of pregnancy. The developing baby needs 400 milligrams of calcium per day, which is supplied by the mother’s diet. If the mother’s intake of calcium is inadequate, the mineral is depleted from her bones.
Unfortunately, the average person’s diet lacks the proper amount of calcium, which is essential to dental health at all stages of life. Cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and many vitamins, which are all important to dental and general health.
For those who are unable to consume dairy products, such as cheese, milk, yogurt, or ice cream due to various health conditions, there are other options. Many foods rich in calcium include sardines, red salmon, nuts, broccoli, tofu and many green, leafy vegetables. Physicians recommend an intake of calcium of 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day, through diet or diet plus supplements.
Mehran Abbassian, D.D.S., a general dentist in Valencia, CA, is the past President and current member of the San Fernando Dental Society, a component of the California Dental Association. For more information, please call 661-259-9100.