India, March 2 -- For decades, dental patients have been conditioned to fear anything acidic, crunchy, or sweet. But Dr Mark Burhenne, a San Francisco-based dentist with more than 40 years of experience, is turning traditional advice on its head. In an Instagram post Dr Burhenne identified six surprising foods that - despite their 'bad boy' reputations - are actually secret weapons for oral health. Dr Burhenne highlighted raw cheese as a superior choice. Unlike cavity-causing acids, raw cheese raises the pH levels in your mouth, creating an environment where decay struggles to survive, he shared. "Casein in raw cheese actually repairs enamel and raises the pH in your mouth - the exact opposite of what causes cavities," he said. The vinegar in pickles often scares people away, but the fermented nature of traditional pickles is a boon for your mouth's 'good' bacteria, he said. Dr Burhenne shared, "Everyone fears the acid. But fermented foods feed your oral microbiome - the same good bacteria that protects against cavities and gum disease. Your mouth has an ecosystem of healthy bacteria it needs. Feed it." Dr Burhenne says many avoid nuts for fear of 'cracking a tooth', but the action of chewing stimulates and maintains jawbone density. He said, "Chewing resistance stimulates jawbone density. And nuts are loaded with magnesium and phosphorus, two minerals most people are deficient in, that enamel depends on."...