INSURANCE BENEFITS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. IF YOU DON’T USE IT, YOU LOSE IT! Many people have turned to soy milk in recent years, believing it’s a healthier alternative to cow’s milk—or because they require a milk substitute due to lactose intolerance. However, an Australian study conducted by the Melbourne Dental School found that soy milk may actually promote tooth decay. Fortunately, consuming one glass of soy milk a day (or the equivalent in cereal) is unlikely to cause significant harm. Still, the dental health of babies and small children can be more vulnerable to such issues. To learn more, read today’s blog from Dr. Aziza Askari, your dentist in Farmington Hills, MI.
Too Much Acid
According to the scientists that performed this research, soy milk affects the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. Soy milk promoted these germs to secrete 5-6 times more acid than they normally do. Tooth decay forms when these oral bacteria consume the sugar in food debris inside your mouth. Their by-product is lactic acid which erodes tooth enamel and makes you vulnerable to cavities. When soy milk and bacteria mingle, an exceptionally high acidic reaction is created. Regular cow’s milk then put the same test, stayed neutral.
Moo-ve Over Soy Milk
The scientific methods utilized in this study make some skeptical of the results—most notably because the human mouth is difficult to replicate in a petri dish. For now, if you and your child can safely consume cow’s milk, you’ll benefit from its calcium content without the added risk of tooth decay. Cow’s milk is non-acidic and doesn’t promote acid secretion by oral bacteria. In fact, some scientists believe it may even help reverse damage caused by acid. For personalized guidance on your child’s dental health, consider consulting a trusted dentist near you.