Eat This Creamy Snack for a Healthier Mouth

We all want healthy, problem-free teeth. And for as long as possible. So here's a creamy snack that just might keep a good roll going: yogurt.

A recent study revealed that people who regularly ate yogurt were significantly less likely to have gum disease compared with people who never touched the stuff.

Say Yes to Yogurt
In the study, researchers performed dental exams on roughly a thousand middle-aged and older people and also asked them questions about their eating habits. The people who consumed the most yogurt -- or lactic-acid-rich probiotic drinks -- had the lowest risk of periodontal disease. In fact, these two foods appear to be the only ones that offered a protective benefit in the study. (Here's another drink that helps keep teeth and gums healthy.)

The Benefits of Bugs
Here's the toothy secret to the study results: Those "healthy" bacteria found in yogurt and other probiotic-containing treats help keep the levels of bad bacteria in your mouth in check -- including the varieties that contribute to periodontal disease. But to do your mouth a true favor, choose your creamy treats wisely. Opt for low-sugar varieties. Or buy plain yogurt, and control the sweet stuff yourself by adding your own fruit, honey, or preserves. Or turn plain yogurt into this delicious veggie dip: Yogurt-Mint Salad Dressing.

Yogurt's disease-fighting and health-boosting benefits aren't just limited to your mouth. Check out what it can do for the rest of your body:

• Keep your bladder healthy. Here's how it helps fight cancer there.
• Slim your stomach. Find out how it trims tummy fat.
• Protect your liver. Eat yogurt -- with some of this -- to defend your liver against disease.