Get ready to pamper your taste buds and protect your teeth against decay at the same time as a new research has revealed that cranberries are an important weapon in fighting tooth decay.
The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has said that cranberries can prevent a host of oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay.
Following up on a research carried out by the University of Rochester in New York, the BDHF discovered that cranberry juice stopped harmful bacteria sticking to the teeth. Cranberry juice also ensures that plaque never gets a chance to form.
"Cranberry juice is naturally very acidic. Every time you drink something acidic the enamel on your teeth is softened temporarily. If given time to recover, then your saliva will neutralise this acidity in your mouth and restore it to its natural balance," Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, was quoted as saying.
However, the researchers have cautioned that the intake of cranberries should be limited to only the meal times as its excess can have some harmful effects.
"However, if this attack happens too often the mouth does not have the chance to repair itself and tiny particles of enamel can be brushed away. This is called erosion. Erosion can cause pain and sensitivity in the teeth, and once the enamel has worn away can also leave your teeth open to decay too - so try to keep cranberry juice to mealtimes only," he added.