Dentist reveals why you should always pair cheese with wine

Gouda news! Dentist reveals the ways to protect your teeth over Christmas including why you should always have cheese when sipping on wine (but be careful of those festive lattes!)

  • Dr. Khaled Kasem, Chief of Orthodontists at Impress told FEMAIL his top tips for maintaining your oral health over Christmas – including having cheese with wine 
  • Added you should brush your teeth three times a day due to rise in sugar intake 
  • Also revealed blueberries and apples are great snacks to prevent gum disease


Tis the season to be jolly and to gorge on mince pies, mulled and gingerbread.

But as we begin to drop our routines and relax with festive favourites, our teeth can get forgotten amid many sugary treats, a dentist has warned. 

Dr. Khaled Kasem, Chief of Orthodontists at Impress told FEMAIL his top tips for maintaining your oral health over Christmas to avoid emergency trips to the dentist in the New Year.

Here, he reveals the easy ways to stay healthy including why you should always have cheese with wine to avoid a purple-stained smiles and avoid using your mouth to open bottles or snap Sellotape. 

Dr. Khaled Kasem, Chief of Orthodontists at Impress told FEMAIL his top tips for maintaining your oral health over Christmas to avoid emergency trips to the dentist in the New Year (stock image)

Pair mulled wine with cheese to avoid staining

‘There’s nothing that screams Christmas more than enjoying a hot mulled wine whilst walking around the markets. 

‘Like red wine, mulled wine is known for giving our smile that ‘purple’ glow, so to avoid this your best bet is to pair it with cheese. 

‘Cheese is not only full of calcium, but it can protect your teeth from stains – who’d have thought!’

Stop using your teeth as an opener

‘Teeth were never designed to open bottles, tear off labels or cut tape when wrapping your presents. 

‘Prevent unnecessary damage to your teeth by using scissors or a bottle opener. 

‘If you do chip, crack, or break a tooth, contact your dentist to book an appointment as soon as you can.’

Brush your teeth three times a day and straight after sticky foods

‘Usually brushing our teeth twice a day for two minutes is the foundation for a healthy mouth, but with the increase in sugar intake over Christmas we’d recommend brushing your teeth three times a day. 

‘This will prevent a build-up of plaque, minimise the risk of tooth decay and keep those teeth and gums healthy. 

Make the switch to dark chocolate 

‘Our intake of chocolate certainly increases over the festive period, especially with advent calendars and selection boxes. 

‘Dark chocolate is an excellent alternative to milk or white that allows you to still enjoy the sweetness and creaminess of this much-desired sweet, without damaging your teeth. 

‘Dark chocolate has a reduced amount of sugar and fat, helps to fight cavities due to its grain containing powerful anti-bacterial agents and it’s also beneficial for your cardiovascular health!’ 

‘This is especially important after consuming Christmas cake, pudding, and mince pies as they are laden with dried fruit, which is high in sugar and can stick to your teeth.’

Be careful with your festive lattes

‘Gingerbread Chai Lattes are a firm favourite at Christmas time, but with excessive sugar it’s important to limit your intake and avoid flavoured syrups where possible.   

‘We’re not saying you can’t enjoy a festive drink, but we’d advise you to make them a treat rather than a daily routine.’

Add some fruit to your dessert selection

‘Apples and blueberries have some surprising benefits to your oral health that should have them topping your Christmas food list this year. 

‘Apples help to remove dental plaque, as they are hard and crunchy, they require more of a chew which naturally increases saliva production, which as a result, serves as a protector for our teeth and helps to naturally remove dental plaque.

‘Or, if you’re looking for food that is high in nutritional value and low in sugar content, opt for blueberries instead. 

‘Blueberries are great at preventing gum disease and are well-known for their antioxidant properties.’

Make sure you get checked!

‘Finally, don’t miss your next dental appointment. 

‘Visiting the dentist is very important to prevent oral diseases and will help protect your teeth while ensuring good oral health.

‘Following these simple tips over the next few weeks will mean that you can enjoy all the fun of the festive food, with your family and friends, without harming the health of your smile.’

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk