New research has revealed that children who regularly eat yoghurt are at less risk of developing tooth decay .
A team of researchers at Fukuoka University and the University of Tokyo in Japan found that three-year-olds who eat yoghurt at least four times a week are 22 per cent less likely to develop cavities than those who eat it less than once a week.
Their findings, published in the Journal of Dentistry, came from a study examining the association between the intake of dairy products and the prevalence of dental caries in more than 2,000 young Japanese children.
The researchers said: "Compared with yogurt consumption at the lowest tertile (less than once a week), its intake at the highest level (four or more times a week) was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of dental caries, showing a clear dose-response relationship."
"There were no material associations between intake of cheese, bread and butter, or milk and the prevalence of dental caries," they added.
Scientists claim yoghurt helps prevent tooth decay because the proteins it contains 'bind' to the surface of teeth and seals them against attack from harmful acids.




