Cheese and tooth decay

Abstract



Following a request from the National Dairy Council, submitted in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 through the competent authority of Ireland, the Panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies has been asked to render an opinion on the scientific justification of a health claim on dairy products (milk and cheese) and dental health.

The purpose of the application has been proposed as the scope of health claims referring to the development and the health of children.

In this application, the definition of the category of food products including dairy milk and cheese. The Panel considers that the food on which the claim (ie milk and cheese) are not sufficiently characterized example, the nutritional composition and its variability depending on the products have not been provided.

The alleged purpose of "promoting dental health" for reducing the development of dental caries. Dental caries are highly prevalent in the EU, especially among children. Dietary factors can influence the development of dental caries. Children are the target population.

Four observational studies cross rapportent or lower frequency of tooth decay among children consuming milk compared with those who do not drink or consumption of milk much lower in children with symptoms of caries compared to those who do not. No link between stock caries and consumption of milk has been found in two prospective cohort studies. No study intervention was provided on the effect of milk on the development of tooth decay among children. Studies on rodents indicate that cow's milk is not cariogenic and that milk might have a slight protective effect against cariogenic sucrose. The Panel considers that the information provided is not sufficient to establish a causal relationship between consumption of milk and reducing the development of tooth decay among children.
A study of intervention allowed to examine the effects of daily consumption of a piece of hard cheese from 5 grams in children 7 to 9 years on increasing the cavities by measuring the surfaces of teeth, absent or sealed. At the end of the intervention period of two years, the surface of teeth decayed, missing or filled the experimental group (0.65) was clearly lower than in the control group (2.4). The Panel considers that the weaknesses of this study limit its value as a source of data confirming a causal link between the consumption of hard cheese and reducing the development of tooth decay among children.

A prospective cohort study and a cross-sectional study of observation in children show a protective effect of hard cheese against cavities and show a dose-effect relationship. However, these two studies have described the scheme or diet or other factors related to lifestyle in a comprehensive manner. A prospective cohort study shows no link between consumption of cheese and indicated the development of caries.

The Panel considers that the information provided is not sufficient to establish a causal relationship between consumption of cheese and reducing the development of tooth decay among children.

The Panel concludes that, based on the data presented, no causal link has been established between consumption of milk or cheese and dental health among children.