No, milk does not reduce saliva. In fact, dairy products, especially cheese, are known to increase saliva production.
The Role of Saliva
Saliva is crucial for oral health. It helps:
- Clean the mouth by washing away food debris.
- Neutralize acids produced by bacteria, preventing tooth decay.
- Aid in digestion by breaking down food particles.
- Keep the mouth moist, preventing dryness.
Dairy and Saliva Production
According to research, dairy products, and particularly cheese, are known for their ability to increase saliva production. This increase is beneficial because:
- Increased saliva helps wash away bacteria-causing debris.
- By removing debris, bacteria has less to feed on and reduces the risk of cavities.
| Dairy Product | Impact on Saliva Production |
|---|---|
| Milk | Increases |
| Cheese | Increases (particularly effective) |
Practical Insights
- Consuming dairy products, such as milk or cheese, after meals can be helpful to cleanse your mouth naturally.
- For individuals with dry mouth, incorporating dairy products might help stimulate saliva flow.
Therefore, based on current information, milk does not reduce saliva. Instead, it, like other dairy products, often increases saliva production, which is helpful for oral health.
