Cold and dreary days can get you down. But it’s easy to give yourself a lift – smell some nutmeg. Breathing in the pleasant aroma of nutmeg can cheer you up in minutes. Scientists say there’s a compound in nutmeg that is easily absorbed by the brain, which in turn releases happiness hormones.

Streaming services are looking a lot like the early 2000’s. The shows that have long been off the air and are making comebacks include “One Tree Hill”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” and “Scrubs”.

Ghosting hurts more than rejection. Online dating profiles are rarely 100 percent truthful, and ghosting is at an all-time high. The only thing that hurts more than someone unmatching you is being left on read after a date — both of which are examples of ghosting. In fact, psychology shows that getting ghosted causes more mental distress than being explicitly rejected.

Stuff some cheddar cheese in your pie hole, it’s good for your teeth. Dentists say one food many people don’t realize is good for oral health is cheddar cheese. It is one of the few snack foods that has a clear, evidence-backed benefit for dental health.

We often think of brushing, flossing, and sugar-free gum when we talk about keeping our teeth healthy. But what if we told you one of the most effective, and certainly most delicious, dental helpers is already in your fridge? That's right—Cheddar Cheese!

Far from just being a tasty snack, studies have shown that a small portion of cheese, especially hard cheeses like Cheddar, can offer remarkable benefits for your oral hygiene.

🔬 Three Ways Cheddar Protects Your Pearly Whites

1. The pH Powerhouse: Neutralizing Acid

The primary enemy of tooth enamel is acid. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack the tooth surface, a process called demineralization, which is the start of decay.

• How Cheddar Helps: Cheddar is a salivary stimulant. Eating it increases the flow of saliva, which is your mouth's natural defense mechanism. More importantly, cheese has a high $\text{pH}$ level (it's alkaline).

• The Benefit: A study published in General Dentistry found that after consuming cheese, the $\text{pH}$ level of subjects' plaque rose quickly, counteracting the acidity caused by other foods. This neutralizing effect is crucial for halting the acid attack and preventing cavities.

2. Calcium and Phosphorus: Rebuilding Enamel

Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it constantly needs reinforcement.

• How Cheddar Helps: Cheddar is packed with two essential minerals: Calcium and Phosphorus.

• The Benefit: These minerals are vital building blocks. When they are present in the mouth (thanks to the cheese), they are absorbed by the tooth surface. This process is called remineralization—it's like giving your enamel a fresh, protective coat, making it stronger and more resistant to future acid erosion.

3. Casein Proteins: The Protective Barrier

Cheese contains special proteins called caseins.

• How Cheddar Helps: These proteins form a thin, protective film on the tooth surface.

• The Benefit: This film acts as a barrier, helping to prevent the acid-producing bacteria from adhering directly to the enamel. Think of it as a natural, edible shield for your teeth!

🧀 Cheddar's Smile Secret: The Unexpected Dental Benefits of Cheese

Headline: Beyond Delicious: Why Cheddar Cheese is Your Teeth's Best Friend!

(Image Suggestion: A bright, appealing image of a block of cheddar cheese next to a sparkling, happy smile.)

The Surprising Link Between Dairy and Dental Health

We often think of brushing, flossing, and sugar-free gum when we talk about keeping our teeth healthy. But what if we told you one of the most effective, and certainly most delicious, dental helpers is already in your fridge? That's right—Cheddar Cheese!

Far from just being a tasty snack, studies have shown that a small portion of cheese, especially hard cheeses like Cheddar, can offer remarkable benefits for your oral hygiene.

🔬 Three Ways Cheddar Protects Your Pearly Whites

1. The pH Powerhouse: Neutralizing Acid

The primary enemy of tooth enamel is acid. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack the tooth surface, a process called demineralization, which is the start of decay.

• How Cheddar Helps: Cheddar is a salivary stimulant. Eating it increases the flow of saliva, which is your mouth's natural defense mechanism. More importantly, cheese has a high $\text{pH}$ level (it's alkaline).

• The Benefit: A study published in General Dentistry found that after consuming cheese, the $\text{pH}$ level of subjects' plaque rose quickly, counteracting the acidity caused by other foods. This neutralizing effect is crucial for halting the acid attack and preventing cavities.

2. Calcium and Phosphorus: Rebuilding Enamel

Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it constantly needs reinforcement.

• How Cheddar Helps: Cheddar is packed with two essential minerals: Calcium and Phosphorus.

• The Benefit: These minerals are vital building blocks. When they are present in the mouth (thanks to the cheese), they are absorbed by the tooth surface. This process is called remineralization—it's like giving your enamel a fresh, protective coat, making it stronger and more resistant to future acid erosion.

3. Casein Proteins: The Protective Barrier

Cheese contains special proteins called caseins.

• How Cheddar Helps: These proteins form a thin, protective film on the tooth surface.

• The Benefit: This film acts as a barrier, helping to prevent the acid-producing bacteria from adhering directly to the enamel. Think of it as a natural, edible shield for your teeth!

💡 Pro Tip: When to Eat Your Cheese

The best time to harness the dental power of Cheddar is immediately following a meal or sweet treat.

Instead of reaching for a mint or brushing immediately (which can sometimes harm enamel if acids are present), finishing your meal with a small cube of Cheddar can rapidly neutralize acids and kickstart the remineralization process.

The Verdict

While Cheddar cheese is no substitute for brushing and flossing, it is a fantastic, natural, and tasty supplement to your oral health routine. So go ahead, enjoy that sharp, creamy bite—your dentist (and your teeth!) will thank you.

Men and women react differently to getting a present they don’t like. Women pretend the gift is just what they’ve always wanted while men are more likely to say what they think.

We all want a happy Christmas, but how do we get it? Research into the psychology of happiness and Christmas suggests that a focus on spending and consumption is associated with less happiness while family and religious experiences are associated with more happiness. Not exactly earth-shattering but satisfying to quote to the kids when they complain about their presents.