Frequently Asked Questions
By Althea Zanecosky, MS, RD, LDN
Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association
August 2007
Q: My 7-year-old son drinks chocolate milk constantly, has the most beautiful naturally white teeth, and has never had a cavity. His twin brother has never been a milk lover and has had several cavities filled and a tooth capped. Can drinking milk prevent cavities?
A: Congratulations to your son on never having a cavity! According to a report from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 30 percent to 40 percent of 3-year-old children have at least one cavity, and 50 percent have at least one cavity by the time they enter elementary school. Although 90 percent of all cavities are preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental care, the other 10 percent can be attributed to heredity and diet.
The foods you choose as fuel for the body and how often you eat them affect your general health and that of your teeth and gums, which help cement in your teeth. Many dentists are concerned that their patients are consuming record numbers of sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, sticky foods and non-nutritious snacks that affect their teeth. These items generally have little if any nutritional value and, over time, can take a toll on teeth.
Certain nutrients are needed for healthy teeth and gums. Vitamin C is needed for healthy gums and is found in fruits and vegetables. Calcium is the building block for healthy teeth and bones, and the amount of calcium required daily varies according to age. The greatest need is during childhood and the teenage years. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following daily intake of calcium:Daily Calcium Needs:
| Age | Calcium need (mg per day) | Servings of milk to meet need |
| 4-8 years | 800 | 3 servings |
| 9-18 years | 1,300 | 4 servings |
| 19-50 years | 1,000 | 3-4 servings |
The best way to get calcium is by eating and drinking foods that naturally contain calcium. Milk and other dairy foods, such as cheese and yogurt, are excellent sources of calcium, naturally offering the most calcium per serving of foods that kids love. For example, one cup of milk has about the same amount of calcium as four cups of broccoli. Just because a food is high in calcium, doesn't mean it is high in fat. Lowfat and skim milk contain just as much calcium as whole milk, but with less fat. Chocolate (or any flavor) milk has as much calcium as plain milk and the same amount of sugar as orange juice. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, chocolate milk is less likely than other sweet foods to cause cavities because it is a liquid, not a sticky food.
Please keep your refrigerator stocked with milk for your son! For his twin brother, you may want to serve cheese. Recent research shows cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for a child’s teeth. Several cheeses, including Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack and American, also help prevent cavities. The protein and phosphorous help produce saliva, which washes away cavity-causing acids formed after eating meals and snacks. The nutrients in cheese — calcium phosphorous, protein and vitamin A — also help strengthen teeth and the bones that support them.
For more information, check out the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry at: http://www.aapd.org/foundation/parents.asp