When we think about oral care at Dimples, we naturally focus on enamel, brushing habits, and the science behind remineralising toothpaste. But a growing body of research shows that what you eat and how you eat can have profound effects not only on your teeth but also on your brain health. One area getting a lot of attention right now? Full-fat dairy and its surprising association with lower dementia risk.
A large, long-term study out of Sweden followed more than 27,000 adults for roughly 25 years to see how different foods related to the risk of developing dementia later in life(1). What the researchers found has raised eyebrows in the nutrition and health world: people who consumed higher amounts of full-fat cheese (over about 50 g per day) were significantly less likely to develop dementia compared with those who ate very little of these cheeses. In addition, people who regularly consumed full-fat cream (around 20 g daily) also showed a lower overall dementia risk.
Specifically, the study observed that daily intake of high-fat cheese was associated with about a 13% lower risk of all-cause dementia, and a 29% reduced risk of vascular dementia in those higher cheese consumers. Meanwhile, higher cream intake was linked to roughly a 16% lower risk of dementia overall. It’s important to underline that these are associations, not proof that full-fat dairy prevents dementia; other factors like overall diet quality, lifestyle, physical activity and education could also influence these outcomes. Experts emphasise that this research is observational and cannot conclusively prove cause and effect.
So why might full-fat dairy show up in this context? One theory is that nutrient-rich full-fat cheeses contain a mix of fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D and K2), B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and selenium, all of which support neurological function and overall health. These nutrients could play a role in maintaining healthy blood vessels, reducing inflammation and supporting cell structure in the brain, which in turn could influence cognitive outcomes over decades.
Another key insight from the research is that the potential benefits appeared unique to high-fat cheese and cream specifically, not to low-fat dairy alternatives, milk of any fat content, butter, or fermented milk products like yoghurt. This challenges the conventional wisdom that low-fat dairy is always the healthier choice and adds nuance to how full-fat dairy fits into a balanced diet.
Of course, no single food (not even cheese) is a magic bullet for complex conditions like dementia. What this evidence does suggest is that a diverse, nutrient-rich diet, combined with an overall healthy lifestyle, continues to be one of our strongest tools for long-term brain health.
From Brain to Bite: Why Nutrition Matters for Oral Health Too
Here at Dimples, we know that good nutrition doesn’t just support overall health as it affects your mouth too. Dairy foods, especially full-fat varieties, are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus, minerals essential to strong enamel. These nutrients help remineralise your teeth, making them more resilient against acid wear and decay – a perfect complement to a toothpaste designed to strengthen enamel with hydroxyapatite.
Vitamin K2 also plays a fascinating and often overlooked role in dental health. This fat-soluble vitamin acts like a “traffic controller” for minerals in the body, helping to activate proteins such as osteocalcin and matrix GLA-protein that guide calcium to where it’s needed, into bones and teeth, rather than allowing it to accumulate in soft tissues. In the context of oral health, that means supporting proper mineralisation of enamel and dentine, contributing to stronger, more resilient teeth. Because vitamin K2 is naturally found in full-fat dairy products it adds another layer to the connection between smart dietary choices and a healthy smile.
Pair wise dietary choices with daily brushing using Dimples, and you’re supporting both your smile and your whole-body health from the inside out.
References
- Du, Y., Borné, Y., Samuelsson, J., Glans, I., Hu, X., Nägga, K., Palmqvist, S., Hansson, O. & Sonestedt, E., 2026. High- and Low-Fat Dairy Consumption and Long-Term Risk of Dementia: Evidence From a 25-Year Prospective Cohort Study. Neurology, 106(2), e214343. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000214343.