A certain amount of acidity exists in the mouth. Once your mouth's pH level is lower than 5.5, you are at risk for tooth erosion and cavities.
New research shows that eating cheese can raise the pH level, potentially protecting teeth from cavities.
Compounds in the cheese may offer protection by adhering to tooth enamel.
Researchers tested the dental plaque of a group of kids ages 12 to 15 before and after consuming cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt. They found elevated pH levels 10, 20, and 30 minutes after participants ate cheddar cheese, but not after the milk or yogurt.