Yogurt has a pretty good reputation. Rich in calcium and proteins, it is a regular addition to the breakfast table. But behind its image as a “healthy” product, certain versions can also harm our teeth and promote the appearance of cavities. So, should you give up your daily yogurt? Not necessarily. Dr Jérémy Amzalag, dental surgeon, explains which ones should be avoided and which ones should be favored.
Natural yogurt is not the enemy of your teeth
Contrary to what one might think, not all yogurts are necessarily problematic. Provided, however, that you choose them plain, that is to say without added sugars.
“The risk comes mainly from sugary yogurts. The bacteria present in the mouth then use these sugars to produce acids which can promote the appearance of cavities”reveals Dr. Amzalag.
But that’s not all: the frequency of consumption also counts for a lot.
“It is also better to consume a single sweet product during a meal rather than snacking on sweet foods several times during the day.“, recalls the dental surgeon.
In other words, the main problem is not eating yogurt, but what is in it. Any added sugar “feeds” the plaque bacteria, which then produces acids that are harmful to our teeth. These latter in fact attack the dental enamel and promote its erosion.
Flavored yogurts, drinks, granola… watch out for hidden sugars!
You will therefore have understood: if the famous natural yogurt is completely harmless, this is not the case with its comrades. Some contain a significant amount of added sugars.
“The most problematic are very sweet yoghurts such as flavored yoghurts, with coulis or a fruit-based preparation, as well as certain drinkable yoghurts”underlines the dental surgeon.
Toppings, although appreciable, must also be taken into account. A handful of industrial cereals can transform a simple yogurt into a dessert that is far too sweet.
“Jam, honey or certain granolas increase the risk of cavities in particular”warns the specialist.
Caution is all the more important with certain foods that can remain in contact with the teeth for longer, such as sticky ingredients (caramel, etc.). To put it simply, it is better to opt for natural yogurt and, if you want to spice it up, opt for foods with little or no sugar.
Can yogurt promote dental erosion?
Note that it is also appropriate to distinguish between caries and dental erosion.
“Natural yogurt is certainly acidic, but it is not considered particularly aggressive for enamel, in particular thanks to the calcium it contains”would like to remind Dr Jérémy Amzalag. “In summary, it is therefore not the yogurt that should be blamed, but above all the added sugar and the repetition of sugary intakes during the day”, concludes the
dental surgeon.
In practice, therefore, there is no need to eliminate your favorite (plain) yogurt. Just remember to look at the labels, favor yoghurts without added sugars and avoid eating too much sugar between meals. A fairly simple habit that allows you to maintain the nutritional benefits of yogurt while limiting the risks for your teeth.