Yogurt and Dental Caries

Caries Due to Certain Types of Lactobacilli: In a study, the number of lactobacilli was statistically lower in saliva of subjects with good oral health. Certain species of lactobacilli could not be associated to specific areas of the mouth, although some species could be localized. Lactobacilli from caries active subjects showed a greater ability to adhere to hydrophobic substances, had a greater salt agglutination property, and showed lower production of inhibitory substances. Lactobacilli from caries free subjects were better able to inhibit oral, potentially pathogenic, microorganisms. J Oral Sci. 2003 Mar;45(1):1-9

Sugar Sweetened Yogurt Increases Cavities: Caries progression was observed in enamel and dentin when apple juice, a cola beverage, and sweetened (strawberry) yogurt were consumed as snacks. Remineralization of enamel was observed when cheddar cheese, skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, chocolate milk, and orange juice were used as between meal snacks. Dairy products, with the exception of the sweetened yogurt, generally reduced the amount of demineralization produced in dentin. Assessment of the effect of selected snack foods on the remineralization/demineralization of enamel and dentin. Jensen ME, Donly K, Wefel JS. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2000 Aug 15;1(3):1-17

Yogurt Associated with Fewer Cavities: In a study of 1,494 Roman children ages 3-5, 7.6% had rampant early childhood dental decay (RECDD). Children with RECDD had 56% of all the decayed teeth in the sample. Low and medium social classes, use of a baby bottle filled with sweetened beverages, high salivary mutans streptococcal levels, and malnutrition were directly associated with RECDD; milk and yogurt consumption and low Plaque Index scores were inversely associated with the condition. Rampant early childhood dental decay: an example from Italy. Petti S, Cairella G, Tarsitani G. J Public Health Dent. 2000 Summer;60(3):159-66

Yogurt Protective Against Caries: Protective effect of milk against in vitro caries. Bibby BG, Huang CT, Zero D, Mundorff SA, Little MF. J Dent Res. 1980 Oct;59(10):1565-70

L. Rhamnosus GG Yogurt Protected Against DayCare Caries: In a 7-month DB PC study of 594 children in 19 daycares. yogurt was protective against caries with an age and gender adjusted odds ratio of 0.51. The lactobacillus inhibits mutans streptococcus. Effect of long-term consumption of a probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, in milk on dental caries and caries risk in children. Nase L, Hatakka K, Savilahti E, Saxelin M, Ponka A, Poussa T, Korpela R, Meurman JH. Caries Res. 2001 Nov-Dec;35(6):412-20

Thomas E. Radecki, M.D., J.D.

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