A dentist has revealed that one popular festive treat could actually benefit your dental health this Christmas. According to the expert, it may be the perfect choice to enjoy after your holiday pudding.
The Christmas season is known for its abundance of sweet treats, from mince pies and chocolates to mulled wine. While these goodies are enjoyed by many, constant snacking and sugar intake can harm your teeth.
Dr. Deepa Chopra, a dentist at Whites Dental, explained that the mix of sugar, acids, and frequent nibbling during the holidays creates the ideal environment for enamel damage. She added that many people do not realize how harmful grazing on festive treats can be until January, when tooth sensitivity and decay become noticeable.
Surprisingly, Dr. Chopra highlighted that cheese can actually help protect your teeth. She said cheese “raises the pH level in the mouth, boosts saliva production, and provides calcium and phosphate, which strengthen enamel.”
She recommends eating a small piece of cheese after dessert. “It can help neutralize acids and reduce the impact of sugary treats,” she explained.
This advice is supported by scientific research. A 2013 study published in General Dentistry examined plaque pH levels in teenagers aged 12 to 15 who did not brush their teeth for 48 hours. The participants were given various dairy products to eat.
Cheese proved to be the most effective at preventing tooth decay, known as being anticariogenic. Researchers found that plaque pH levels 30 minutes after eating cheese were higher than after consuming milk or yoghurt. The study concluded that cheese has the highest anticariogenic property among the dairy products tested, while milk and yoghurt were considered noncariogenic.
In short, enjoying a small piece of cheese after holiday desserts may help protect your teeth while still letting you enjoy the festive season.