Amazing anti-cavity product: scientists have named it

Dentist Veronika Melekhova, in a conversation with "Abzats," revealed an unexpected property of hard cheese that few people are aware of. It turns out that this product is capable of restoring tooth enamel, building a protective barrier against bacteria, and normalizing the acid-alkaline balance in the oral cavity, which directly reduces the risk of cavities.

"Cheese stimulates saliva production. And saliva is a powerful buffer system saturated with a whole complex of beneficial substances. They mineralize the enamel and alkalize the environment, making conditions unbearable for cariogenic bacteria. In addition, cheese contains lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which normalize the microflora of both the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract. And the high content of calcium and phosphorus additionally strengthens teeth," Melekhova explained.

Notably, the protective mechanism begins working the moment you take a bite. According to the specialist, milk fat coats the teeth with a very thin film that prevents acid produced by microbes from destroying tooth tissues.

"The greatest value is found in aged hard varieties — such as Parmesan or Cheddar. They contain less lactose and significantly more casein — a most valuable protein. Meanwhile, acidic brine-cured types like bryndza or feta are less effective due to their more acidic environment," the doctor added.

Melekhova clarified that in the absence of milk protein intolerance, eating just 20–30 grams of cheese with one of the main meals is sufficient to see noticeable benefits.