Dr. Norma Chou wants to know if dairy products are a part of your diet. If not, they should be! According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), regular consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (gum disease) and helps you to maintain better oral health.

Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy products is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is also essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Did you know that cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your teeth? Cheese provides large amounts of much needed calcium and phosphorous that reduce and/or prevent decreases in the pH level of dental plaque and work to remineralize the enamel of your teeth. It also disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese, for example, stimulate the body’s salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them.

The next time you reach for a quick snack get creative with some dairy products, and remember with each bite and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your mouth healthy, please contact Dr. Chou at 416-532-3041, or stop by for a visit at her Toronto office!