We've actually had a similar experience with our kiddo. Dentist mentioned the cheese trick a while back, and at first I thought it sounded a bit random. But after looking into it, turns out there's some solid science behind it. Cheese helps neutralize acids in your mouth after eating, which reduces enamel erosion and makes it harder for cavities to form. Plus, the calcium and phosphorus in cheese help remineralize teeth—basically strengthening them from the inside out.
We started giving our daughter small cubes of cheddar or mozzarella after meals, and her dental check-ups have definitely improved. Could be partly due to better brushing habits as she gets older, but honestly, I think the cheese is helping too. Either way, it's a tasty habit that's easy to keep up with...and if it's working for you too, that's awesome. Keep it up!
We've been trying something similar at our house, but honestly haven't noticed much of a difference yet. Maybe we're not consistent enough with it...or maybe my son's just prone to cavities despite our best efforts. It's interesting though, because I've heard other parents mention the cheese thing too, and it does seem to have some decent backing.
One thing I'm curious about—does it matter what type of cheese you're using? Like, would softer cheeses like mozzarella or string cheese be just as effective as harder ones like cheddar or gouda? My kid loves string cheese, so it'd be easier for us to stick with that if it works just as well. I'd love to hear if anyone's dentist mentioned specifics on the best types of cheese for dental health.
I've heard similar things about cheese types from my dentist as well. Apparently, harder cheeses like cheddar or gouda tend to be slightly better because they stimulate saliva production more effectively, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth. Softer cheeses like mozzarella or string cheese still have benefits (calcium, phosphates, etc.), but might not offer quite the same saliva boost. Still, if your kid prefers string cheese and it's easier to keep consistent, it's probably better than nothing...especially if it means fewer sugary snacks instead.
Interesting, I hadn't thought about cheese types making a difference. But now I'm wondering—does it really matter enough to switch cheeses? My kids love mozzarella sticks, and honestly, they're way cheaper at our grocery store than cheddar or gouda blocks. Plus, cheddar tends to disappear faster in our house (my husband snacks on it constantly 🙄), so budget-wise, mozzarella is just easier.
I mean, if the main goal is cutting down sugary snacks and getting some calcium, isn't that good enough? Or am I missing something important here? I'm always anxious about dental bills, so if switching cheeses could actually save us from cavities down the line, maybe it's worth reconsidering...
"I mean, if the main goal is cutting down sugary snacks and getting some calcium, isn't that good enough?"
You're definitely on the right track by swapping sugary snacks for cheese. But one thing to consider is that cheddar and gouda have higher acidity-neutralizing properties compared to mozzarella. This means they can help balance out the mouth's pH more effectively after meals, potentially reducing cavity risks. Mozzarella isn't bad at all...but if cavities are a major concern, occasionally mixing in some cheddar might offer extra protection without totally breaking your budget.
