Finnish dietary guidelines have recently taken a turn by suggesting the inclusion of cheese after meals to promote health, especially oral health. Traditionally, cheese consumption was often discouraged due to concerns about diet and cholesterol levels, but this new recommendation highlights the positive impacts of certain cheeses on dental health. Specifically, it emphasizes that consuming unsalted and unsweetened cheese can help protect teeth from decay by interrupting acid attacks following meals.

The guidelines further advocate the use of Xylitol products and recommend that people consider incorporating a small piece of cheese or a handful of unsalted nuts after meals or snacks. This contrast to the common dietary narrative positions cheese not just as a treat but also as a component of healthy eating, especially if it is aged and hard varieties, which show particular benefits in dental health as indicated by health literature.

In Finland, cheese consumption is already significant, with the average citizen consuming nearly half a kilogram per week. The Finnish Food Authority's statistics suggest that this trend continues, as last year’s cheese consumption reached about 26.1 kilograms per person. This new recommendation could further influence eating habits, potentially leading to a rise in cheese variety offerings in stores and a change in public perception regarding dairy consumption in relation to health.