Pitcher and glass of milk on a table in front of a field of sunflowers.

Is Milk Good For Your Teeth?

March 26, 2021 6:54 pm

Regular brushing and flossing along with visits to Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry in Kerrville for pediatric cleanings are important for your child’s dental health. But a nutritious diet is also essential. Food and drink choices can have a direct impact on your teeth. Let’s review cow’s milk and see if it’s a good choice for your family to drink.

Is Cow’s Milk Good for Your Teeth?

Cow’s milk has many great nutrients that can help build strong teeth. The most notable mineral is calcium, which is primarily responsible for ensuring that you have strong bones and teeth.

What Other Nutrients Are in Cow’s Milk?

  • Phosphorus: Helps the body absorb calcium
  • Vitamin A: Supports your immune system
  • Vitamin B12: Keeps your blood cells healthy
  • Riboflavin: Breaks down nutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
  • Potassium: Supports your nervous system and muscles

Kids should drink two to three cups of milk a day. While it’s not necessary for adults to drink milk every day, it doesn’t hurt to have a glass or two. Drinking milk can help ensure that you get enough calcium. The recommended amount of calcium is 1,000-1,200 milligrams per day.

Can Cow’s Milk Be Bad for Your Teeth?

Cow’s milk contains the natural sugar lactose, so you should consider rinsing your mouth out with water after a glass of milk. If you drink milk before sleeping, brush your teeth afterward to get the sugar off your teeth. Otherwise, you might be risking cavities from the sugar. Another consideration is to avoid giving a bottle of milk to babies and toddlers before they take a nap or sleep for the night. It could cause tooth decay.

What if I’m Lactose Intolerant or Don’t Drink Milk?

There are plenty of other options to get nutrients like calcium if you don’t want to consume cow’s milk. Consider looking at coconut milk or almond milk. You can also supplement your diet with food like kale or fish.

Comprehensive Care at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry

We pride ourselves on making sure that your child is comfortable during their dental visit with us. We have a welcoming atmosphere and kid-friendly activities like Netflix streaming and prizes after their visit. Please give us a call if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment. We’re always happy to help.

Image by Couleur from Pixabay

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