Blog Highlights

• Eating sugary foods often leads to tooth decay or caries
• The researchers measured the acidity levels of the participant’s teeth at regular intervals
• They discovered that, after eating cereal, milk lowered the acidity of the plaque the most

Researchers have recently claimed that drinking milk after consuming sweet foods reduces the damage sugar does to your teeth. This claim was published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Eating sugary foods often leads to tooth decay or caries. Bacteria in the plaque of your teeth interact with the sugar from your food and create an acid. This acid essentially attacks the enamel of your teeth. Overtime, these attacks can break down the enamel and lead to tooth decay.

Researchers at the University of Illinois and Chicago’s School of Dentistry tested their theory by exposing test participants to different beverages after they ate to see which substances decreased the acidity of dental plaque the most. Participants were instructed to eat a sugary cereal. Once they finished eating, they were asked to wash it down with a glass of water, a glass of apple juice, or a glass of whole milk.

The researchers measured the acidity levels of the participant’s teeth at regular intervals, up to 35 minutes after they finished drinking. Interestingly, they discovered that, after eating cereal, milk lowered the acidity of the plaque the most, with water coming in second.

While more research will need to be done, it’s important to note that the types of foods and the order in which you ingest them can significantly impact your oral health. Speak with your dentist to learn more about what foods may support or cause damage to your teeth.