There are some things you learn during childhood that just stay with you for the rest of your life. A lot of these pieces of advice revolve around healthy living, but do we know much about the reasons for our eating choices? Most of us know that milk is great for tooth and bone strength because it’s a great source of calcium, but how exactly does it work?
Milk is in so many of our favourite foods, so there are plenty of ways for people to meet the required intake. There are also great options for people who can’t consume dairy products. So, here’s a breakdown of what makes milk so magical for tooth health.
How Milk Calcium and Proteins Combine to Strengthen our Teeth
Teeth degrade during our adult years, unless we give them constant attention. As well as regular brushing and flossing, there are lots of good food choices which can be made to help keep our teeth healthy. Calcium intake should be maintained to keep teeth strong, but there’s another key ingredient in milk which students at restorative dental hygiene college may be aware of.
Milk contains casein proteins which are great for protecting enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. Caseins form a thin protective film on the tooth which blocks off acids contained in more damaging food. When these proteins are present, enamel decay is reduced and teeth stay stronger for much longer. As well as preventing frustrating tooth pain, this allows clients to keep on eating their favourite foods without having to restrict tougher items from their diet.
Encourage Clients to Make the Right Dairy Decisions
The fat and sugar content of milk and other dairy products are a few of the reasons why people might be less inclined to buy them in the shop. Don’t worry, however, because there are lots of great alternatives to inform clients about in the dental clinic. Cheese and yogurt are available in all sorts of healthy varieties, and they are great sources of calcium. If clients are happy drinking milk, stay conscious that its positive benefits will be wiped away if they are consuming it alongside something sugary or acidic. It’s a better option to wash down such foods with milk afterwards, so the enamel is given a chance to recover.
Thankfully there are also plenty of options for those who are lactose intolerant. Many types of fish, including salmon, are good sources of calcium, while tofu is also a beneficial vegetarian option. Soybeans, almonds, spinach, and soymilk also contain lots of calcium, and these can all be worked into daily eating habits.
Grads of Restorative Dental Hygiene College Courses Know Kids Have Specific Dairy Needs
Calcium is important for adults, but it’s even more critical for children as their bodies develop. Children between the ages of five and seven are particularly exposed to tooth erosion, so graduates of restorative dental hygiene courses should encourage them and their parents to meet the right calcium intake from an early age.
Calcium is also vital for expecting mothers, because the teeth of unborn babies begin developing in the womb. From birth to adulthood, milk offers so much more than just great tasting products. It’s also a great way to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
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