A type of fermented dairy product rich in various nutrients is known as a healthy food and is widely popular. However, some dentists warn that this food is not beneficial for dental health and caution should be exercised in its consumption. This dairy product is yogurt, also known as yoghurt.
Dr. Liel Grinbaum, a dentist practicing in New York City, told The Huffington Post that even though yogurt is considered a healthy snack, certain aspects of it can have adverse effects on dental health, primarily due to its sugar content. Sugar can combine with oral bacteria to form acidic substances that can harm the teeth.
Another dentist practicing in New York City, Dr. Lilya Horowitz, mentioned that sometimes ingredients added to yogurt such as granola, peanut butter, crunchy foods, or jam can stick to the teeth, prolonging the exposure of the teeth to acidic environments and worsening dental problems.
However, yogurt is not entirely bad for teeth. A study conducted by researchers in Japan in 2022 showed a correlation between consuming yogurt and a decreased risk of tooth loss due to periodontal disease. The type of yogurt also matters. Dentists recommend consuming plain or unsweetened Greek yogurt.
Greek yogurt and regular yogurt both contain calcium, probiotics, vitamin D, and other essential vitamins, but Greek yogurt has higher protein content and lower sodium, making it a favorite among nutritionists.
Dr. Jonathan Richter, an expert in periodontics, oral restoration, and implantology, suggests adding fruits for those who prefer a sweeter taste but advises caution with flavored yogurt products. If you want to try a different way of consuming yogurt, Dr. Horowitz recommends mixing Greek yogurt into salad dressings or using it in place of sour cream in soups.
Regarding how to protect dental health while consuming yogurt, these dentists provide some recommendations:
– Swallow the yogurt immediately after eating it, do not hold it in the mouth.
– Rinse the mouth after eating yogurt.
– Chew sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after consuming yogurt to stimulate saliva production, which can help clean the teeth, reduce acidity, and aid in teeth remineralization to repair damages.
– Brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating yogurt.
– Regularly visit a dentist for check-ups.
– Use fluoride toothpaste to reduce the risk of cavities.
– Maintain a regular meal schedule and avoid frequent snacking.
Dr. Richter concludes that the impact of yogurt on dental health depends on four factors: the type of yogurt, sugar content, consumption frequency, and eating habits.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding which yogurt is less harmful to teeth and how eating habits can affect enamel and the risk of cavities, rather than completely avoiding yogurt. “Yogurt is not the enemy, but not all yogurts will harm your teeth.”
Aside from yogurt, dentists also point out that high-sugar and high-acid beverages can cause significant damage to teeth, even those considered healthy natural drinks.
Dr. Deepa Chopra, the Chief Dentist at Whites Dental in London, mentioned that fermented beverages like Kombucha have a low pH value, leading to acidity that can significantly soften enamel.
She also noted that fruit juices, smoothies, sports drinks, and energy drinks could potentially harm teeth by causing enamel erosion due to their citric acid content. From a dental health perspective, the safest daily beverage is plain water.