Yoghurt: A Source of Mouth Healthy Nutrition

Yoghurt has a long-deserved reputation for being a healthy food and it’s often recommended by doctors and nutritionists, but it’s also great for your dental health. For a start, yoghurt contains plenty of calcium which strengthens your bones and your teeth. Plain yoghurt, and especially Greek yoghurt is an excellent source of protein. Some brands of yoghurts are high in probiotics or good bacteria which can help protect your gums. It is thought these probiotics help to control the growth of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. When these harmful bacteria accumulate on teeth and gums in dental plaque they can infect and inflame your gums, unless thoroughly removed during regular brushing and flossing, potentially causing periodontal disease.

Ideally, when choosing your yoghurt, opt for plain yoghurt with no added sugar. If you prefer your yoghurt a little sweeter, simply add some fresh fruit. Some flavoured and fruit yoghurt can be very high in sugars and not all yoghurts contain probiotics. Reading the label will help you pick the best brand for your dental health.