It might sound unlikely, but one of the best and easiest ways to combat acid erosion in your teeth is to eat a piece of cheese after every meal. Cheese contains alkali, which neutralises the acid left by the food you've consumed; drinks such as Coca-Cola, and sweet foods such as cakes and biscuits, are particularly acidic, so eating cheese after these will be effective.

Cheddar is best, because it contains the highest levels of alkali – soft cheese like brie or feta won't have much of an effect. It doesn't need to be a big chunk – just eating a small piece after your meal is a good way to improve the health of your teeth quickly and easily, without having to leave the dinner table.

Of course eating cheese is no substitute for good brushing but as an aid it can help to bring immediate results. The other tip I give all patients who are worried about staining and discoloration is to drink a large glass of water after every cup of tea, coffee, or glass of wine. I've been using this technique for years, and it really works. I drink a lot of tea, coffee and white wine, and I haven't had my teeth whitened for six years – but people are always complimenting me on how white my teeth look. It's all down to those glasses of water."

Dr Vida Kolahi is a principal dentist at the Cathedral Dental Clinic in Cardiff.