Can Milk Make Your Teeth Whiter?

If you are looking for a way to get your teeth whiter, you are probably willing to try anything that does not pose a threat to your health.  There is plenty of discussion as to whether milk makes the teeth white or if it only helps teeth by adding calcium to the body. Below, we answer this question to clear up the confusion and finally set the record straight on whether milk can make your teeth whiter.

Can milk make my teeth whiter?

Milk's Impact on Teeth

The milk in lactose does not spur tooth decay like other sugar. This fact makes milk quite the important beverage for little ones.  Add in the fact that milk is healthy and you have all the more reason to drink it. In a nutshell, milk has just the right amount of dairy to strengthen the teeth and prevent them from being tarnished.  

In fact, many dentists advise adding tea to milk in order to decrease tea's ability to stain the teeth. This is important to note since tea is a common beverage for many people. So go ahead and mix some milk in with your tea and coffee. The resulting combination will make it that much easier to keep your teeth a lovely shade of white.

Proof of Milk's Teeth-whitening Capability

A study detailed in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene shows milk can make the teeth whiter.  Researchers put human teeth in tea and tea with milk. These extracted teeth were removed after 24 hours passed.  The teeth were subsequently analyzed so their color could be examined and compared to the hue prior to their exposure to tea.  It was determined that milk's primary protein, casein, latches onto tannins and prevents the staining of teeth.

The research team also noted the dairy component of milk makes quite the impact on the color of teeth. These researchers are adamant the dairy in milk is more effective than bleaching products as well as whitening toothpaste. So go ahead and drink up that tasty milk!  It does not matter if it is skim milk, whole milk, milk with 2 percent fat or milk with 1 percent fat. As long as you are not drinking chocolate milk, the milk you consume really will gradually whiten your teeth.

It is not Only Milk That Whitens the Teeth

Milk along with other dairy products are fantastic for teeth health and aesthetics.  Additional dairy products like yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese and buttermilk also whiten the teeth.  Chewing cheese is especially helpful as it catalyzes saliva production and washes away food particles that stain the teeth.  Add in the fact that dairy products contain calcium that bolsters tooth strength and it is easy to see why dentists far and wide advise the use of milk.

Milk is also rife with magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin D, each of which helps the body absorb calcium and make better use of it.  The bottom line is if you are looking for a way to get your teeth whiter and bolster the strength of your teeth, you will be well-served by mixing some milk into your diet.

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