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Cheese: Your Secret Weapon for Holiday Teeth
7 Dec
Summary
- Cheese consumption can boost saliva and strengthen tooth enamel.
- A 2013 study found cheese to be most effective at preventing tooth decay.
- Turkey and nuts also offer dental benefits, but require good hygiene.
The Christmas season, notorious for its rich desserts and constant snacking, poses a significant threat to dental health. Dr. Deepa Chopra, a dental expert, advises a counter-intuitive strategy: consuming cheese after dessert.
Cheese aids oral hygiene by raising mouth pH, stimulating saliva, and providing essential minerals like calcium and phosphate, which fortify tooth enamel. Scientific research from 2013 published in General Dentistry journal supports this, identifying cheese as the most effective dairy product in preventing tooth decay among young participants.
Beyond cheese, Dr. Chopra also notes the benefits of turkey for its calcium and phosphorus content, and nuts for their calcium and vitamin D. However, she emphasizes the importance of proper flossing after consuming fibrous foods like turkey to prevent decay.
