Dairy foods build strong teeth and support a healthy smile by providing a powerful combination of nutrients – like calcium, phosphorus and high-quality protein (specifically casein).
These nutrients help prevent enamel breakdown (demineralization) and support the natural repair process (remineralization).¹ Plus, the type of carbohydrate and fat content in dairy foods help shield tooth enamel from damage.²
Building a healthy smile starts early, and good dental habits developed in childhood can last a lifetime.
We sat down with Ohio dentist Andrew Colborn, DDS to get answers to some of the most common questions parents ask about caring for their child’s teeth—from first checkups to food choices and everything in between.
Do baby teeth really need special care if they don’t last forever?
Baby teeth are more than placeholders for adult teeth – they help children chew properly, speak clearly and maintain space for permanent teeth to grow in correctly. Taking care of baby teeth helps children build healthy habits that carry over to caring for their adult teeth.
What are your top three tips for helping kids build strong dental habits?
Good oral hygiene: Brush your child’s teeth twice a day and floss regularly to create healthy habits.
A healthy diet: A child’s diet plays a big role in preventing dental issues such as cavities, enamel defects, tooth erosion and periodontal disease. Limit sugary foods and drinks, and offer tooth-friendly foods like dairy, fruits and vegetables to help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
Regular dental checkups: Visit the dentist every 6 months to monitor growth, catch problems early and reinforce good habits. The goal of these visits is to create a fun and positive experience while encouraging good habits.
What’s the best mouthguard for kids who play contact sports?
Mouthguards are important for protecting not only the teeth, but also your child’s lips and jaw from injury during sports. Choosing either a custom-fitted mouthguard or a store-bought “boil-and-bite” mouthguard are great choices as long as they fit well and are worn consistently.
Do plant-based beverages offer the same dental health benefits as dairy?
While many plant-based beverages are fortified with nutrients they’re not quite the same as cow’s milk when it comes to supporting dental health. The nutrients added to these drinks aren’t always absorbed or used by the body as efficiently as those found naturally in dairy. Plus, many plant-based beverages contain added sugars, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Citations:
1. Wang, J., Jin, G., Gu, K., Sun, J., Zhang, R., & Jiang, X. (2021). Association between milk and dairy product intake and the risk of dental caries in children and adolescents: NHANES 2011-2016. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 30(2), 283–290. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34191431/
2. Shkembi B, Huppertz T. Impact of Dairy Products and Plant-Based Alternatives on Dental Health: Food Matrix Effects. Nutrients. 2023; 15(6):1469. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061469
