The Dental Benefits of Cheese

Do you love cheese? Join your fellow Wisconsinites and celebrate National Cheese Lover’s Day on January 20!

The Dental Benefits of Eating Cheese

Wisconsinites love eating cheese and we love producing cheese. In fact, Wisconsin accounts for the nation’s largest production of cheese! In 2017, Wisconsin made 3.17 billion pounds, topping #2 California’s 2.51 billion.

But did you know that cheese is also a good snack choice? Cheese is actually beneficial to your teeth. It contains a protein called casein that coats the teeth with a protective film and helps fend off acids that attack tooth enamel.

Eating cheese also increases your mouth’s saliva production, which washes away sugar, bacteria, and acid. Firm cheese, such as Cheddar and Monterey Jack, are especially good, along with Brie and Camembert and blue cheeses like Gorgonzola and Roquefort.

So instead of choosing a snack that’s sugary and contains a lot of carbohydrates, grab a slice of cheese instead! Not only is it beneficial to your teeth, but its high protein content will keep you feeling full for longer.

Mold Your Mind with These Cheese Facts

Gain some cheese knowledge and read up on some facts about our state’s beloved snack!

• Wisconsin has 144 cheese plants – more than twice as many as any other state!
• Wisconsin cheesemakers produce more than 600 varieties of cheese.
• It takes ten pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese.
• U.S. per capita cheese consumption was 35.1 pounds in 2015. Our average consumption of cheese has increased 59% over the last 30 years.
• Wisconsin took home the top prize at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest, besting over 2,900 entries from 23 countries, 31 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Overall, Wisconsin captured 38% of all awards given out at this contest – far more than any other state or country. Roth Cheese in Monroe won the top award with their Grand Cru Surchoix.

Source: 2017 Wisconsin Dairy Data