Oral and dental health is an important part of overall physical well-being. Strong and healthy teeth not only help us chew and eat properly but also boost our self-confidence. One way to support dental health is by consuming milk. But how effective is milk in strengthening teeth? Let’s take a closer look.
Cow’s milk is rich in calcium and phosphorus—two essential minerals for the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth. Calcium, in particular, plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength of tooth enamel, the outer layer that protects teeth from decay and damage.
Benefits of Milk for Dental Health
- High Calcium Content
- The calcium in milk plays a vital role in the development of tooth structure. It helps in the mineralization of teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to damage.
- Phosphorus
- In addition to calcium, milk also contains phosphorus, which supports the remineralization of tooth enamel. Phosphorus works hand in hand with calcium to form the minerals essential for tooth strength.
- Other Nutrients
- Milk is also rich in protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12—all of which contribute to the health of teeth and gums. Vitamin D enhances the body's ability to absorb calcium, while protein is essential for repairing damaged tissues.
Research on Milk and Dental Health
In a study conducted by Felicia Stephanie H., a student at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), under the supervision of drg. Ruslin, M.Kes., Ph.D and drg. Asikin Nur, M.Kes., Ph.D. , titled “The Effect of Cow’s Milk on the Setting Time of Alpha Tricalcium Phosphate (α-TCP) Cement”, it was revealed that cow’s milk can influence the strength of dental materials. This suggests that milk may support dental health not only through consumption but also in applications related to dental treatment.
How to Consume Milk to Support Dental Health
- Drink Milk Regularly: Incorporating milk into your daily diet is an easy way to meet your calcium and phosphorus needs.
- Milk as a Healthy Snack: Consuming milk in the form of yogurt or cheese also provides similar benefits for your teeth.
- Rinse After Drinking Milk: After drinking milk, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water to remove residual sugars that may cling to the teeth.
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Milk consumption can be an effective way to help strengthen teeth. Its high calcium and phosphorus content supports the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth. By maintaining a balanced diet and paying attention to dental care, we can reduce the risk of tooth damage and promote overall oral health. As an additional step, it's advisable to have regular dental check-ups to receive proper care and preventive treatment.
References
Felicia Stephanie H, drg. Ruslin, M.Kes., Ph.D; drg.Asikin Nur, M.Kes., Ph.D., The Effect of Cow’s Milk on the Setting Time of Alpha Tricalcium Phosphate (α-TCP) Cement https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/82500
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
