Could Christmas dinner be good for your teeth?

Could Christmas dinner be good for your teeth?

Could Christmas dinner be good for your teeth?

Britain's leading oral health charity is encouraging people to give their teeth a treat at Christmas by serving cranberries with their Christmas turkey.

The British Dental Health Foundation says that, according to research conducted at New York's University of Rochester and published in the Journal of Caries Research, cranberries could help prevent a host of oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Scientists found that by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the teeth, cranberries can stop plaque from forming. Plaque is a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

However, the Foundation also warned that the findings should be treated with a degree of caution and that due to its acidity cranberry juice should be limited to mealtimes where possible.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation, commented: “With the number of cranberry containing toothpastes and flosses on the market increasing, it seems that oral health companies are taking advantage of the benefits of cranberries.”

It is estimated that more than five million people visit the dentist with toothache every year in the UK, and the vast majority of these are the result of tooth decay.

Gum disease causes bleeding gums and bad breath and is the number one cause of tooth loss in the UK. It has also been linked to conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and heart attacks.

For a good oral health routine the Foundation recommends twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, keeping sugary and acidic food and drinks to mealtimes only and visiting your dentist regularly. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals and daily flossing is also recommended.

For free oral health advice from a team of experts contact the British Dental Health Foundation's Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188.