Eating Yogurt Reduces Childhood Tooth Decay 22%

Dental News

New research published in the Journal of Dentistry, about a young children who consumed yogurt or times a week or more reduce the chances of developing cavities by 22% compared to those who needed less than once a week. The report came from a Japanese study which was investigating earlier claims that dairy foods generally could ward off dental decay in children.

The research, by experts at Fukuoka University and the University of Tokyo, supports earlier work by Australian scientists who exposed extracted teeth to yogurt and found it kept decay at bay.

Only Yogurt, Though

The results showed a clear link with yogurt but not with other popular dairy products as butter, cheese and milk appeared to have no major benefit, high consumption of yogurt did have a protective effect in young children.

It's not clear why yogurt reduces the need for fillings. But one theory is that it contains proteins that 'bind' to the surface of teeth and seals them against attack from harmful acids. This seal means the calcium and phosphate which makes up tooth enamel is not broken down over time.

Be Warned, Though

But British Dental Health Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter warned parents not to jump to any final conclusions. "It should be remembered that many yogurts in the UK contain added sugar and it is well established that increasing the frequency of sugar containing foods and drinks leads to an increase in dental decay," said Carter. "Yogurts are also quite thick and will tend to coat the teeth for longer which can also lead to problems. If parents wish to increase their children's yogurt intake it is therefore important that this be confined to meal times."