In childhood, studies show that individuals with a lower incidence of dental caries drank more of which beverage?

• A. Milk
• B. Soda
• C. Fruit juice
• D. Water

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that what you drink can influence caries risk not just by sugar, but also by minerals that help enamel stay strong. Milk provides calcium and phosphate, which saliva can work with to remineralize enamel, and it contains casein proteins that can form a protective film on tooth surfaces, helping to guard against acid attacks. Its pH is near neutral, and it’s less acidogenic than sodas or fruit juices, so it contributes far less to demineralization. That combination—support for remineralization plus lower acid/sugar exposure—helps explain why children who drink more milk tend to have a lower incidence of dental caries in studies. In contrast, soda and many fruit juices bring both acids and fermentable sugars that promote caries, while water is neutral and hydrating but doesn’t provide those remineralization benefits.