More cheese - healthier teeth

The study was lead by Indian researcher, Vipul Yadav. He claims that eating cheese can help to reduce the risk of cavities.

The study included 68 children between the ages 12 and 15. Researchers checked the pH levels of dental plaque in each of the participants. Samples from the participants' mouths were drawn before and after they consumed cheese, milk and sugar-free yogurt.

A pH level below 5.5 means that dental plaque can erode the teeth enamel and lead to severe cavities. Vipul Yadav explained that if the pH level is above 5.5 the chance of developing cavities is lower.

The participants were divided into groups and asked to eat cheese, sugar-free yoghurt and milk; after eating or drinking, the pH level was recorded. Each participant was asked to eat or drink for three minutes and then swill their mouth with water; the pH levels were measured in equal intervals of 10 minutes.

So the result was that the children who eat cheese has high level of pH in their mouths. The researchers suggested that eating cheese may help to reduce the risk of cavities as a result of increased saliva production in the mouth, which helps to neutralise acid in the mouth. The study has been published in the General Dentistry journal.