Is Yogurt the Latest Superfood for Good Oral Health?

Bowl of yogurt with granola and berries

For years, nutritionists and doctors have been praising the health benefits that we can reap from eating just a few ounces of yogurt regularly, but now it’s dentists who are encouraging patients to begin eating the creamy, dairy food. Yogurt has always been known to be high in calcium, which helps strengthen bones, including teeth.

Now, researchers say it can benefit your mouth in other ways too. It is believed that the healthy bacteria found in yogurt helps protect your gums and teeth from disease and decay, as well as decrease the oral levels of hydrogen sulfide, which can lead to bad breath.

So why should you begin a regimen that includes eating several ounces of yogurt every day? Well, besides the fact that Americans eat over 200 million pounds of it each year or that there are countless numbers of flavors, healthy additives like granola and convenient varieties like the drinkable and squeezable types, there is now proof that the delicious treat can keep your pearly whites healthy and bright. If that isn’t a great excuse to hit your grocer’s yogurt aisle, I don’t know what is.

Amanda Jones
Amanda Jones serves as the graphics guru for Delta Dental of Arizona. Since moving to Arizona in 2010, she has been advocating for greater access to oral health care through her work with the Maricopa County oral health coalition (MOLAR). She's passionate about improving lives through health promotion and disease prevention. Amanda loves her spin brush because a smiley face appears after two minutes and if she keeps brushing, it will wink! In her spare time, she enjoys karaoke, live music and exploring new restaurants. [Editor's Note: Amanda is no longer a current DDAZ employee.]