Holiday Eating and Your Teeth
Naughty or nice, popular holiday foods affect your teeth. It wouldn’t be a holiday without all of the traditional foods and drinks you grew up enjoying. Although they’re nostalgic and delicious, many of them are full of sugar and starch. The good news is, while some goodies can wreak havoc on your teeth, there are some other options that are more smile friendly. Keep reading to hear what your Sedation dentist has to say about which of your holiday favorites land themselves on the naughty or nice list.
Holiday eating and your teeth
There’s no denying that pies, stuffing, and other savory treats are some of the things people look most forward to when it comes to celebrating with family and friends. After all, it just wouldn’t be the holidays without them. However, while you’re indulging this season, it’s important to be aware of certain foods and drinks that may be more or less friendly to your teeth:
Holiday Foods and Drinks: naughty or nice?
During the holidays, you shouldn’t have to feel like you need to avoid your favorite foods and drinks altogether, but it’s still important to be mindful of the impact they can have on your oral health if consumed in excess:
Naughty
Candy Canes: This holiday staple can increase the exposure of your teeth to sugar while enjoying it. Be sure to properly rinse your teeth off afterwards to avoid the risk of cavities.
Hot Chocolate: Make sure to have some water nearby while enjoying this creamy, sugary beverage so that you can avoid tooth decay by rinsing your mouth out.
Ice Cubes: Your tooth enamel is extremely strong, but it’s not invincible. Biting down hard on cubes after finishing a beverage can cause breaks or chipping.
Alcoholic Beverages: Mixed drinks and wines often contain high amounts of acid and sugar which work together to erode tooth enamel and cause decay. Stay hydrated and keep your teeth safe by enjoying a glass of water between drinks.
Holiday Pies: Pies are a double whammy, as they are high in both starch and sugar content. The stinky contents can cling to your teeth and cause plaque build-up, which could put you at risk for gum disease and cavities.
Nice
Don’t fret, though! There are plenty of other popular holiday favorites that are much easier on your smile:
Cheese: Many holiday parties and get-togethers involve savory cheese boards and trays. Cheese is high in calcium and low in sugar, so enjoy it! You can enjoy plenty of it without negative affects to your oral health.
Nuts: During the holiday season, you probably see plenty of bowls filled with mixed nuts around your own home and at other gatherings. Nuts not only help remove plaque while you’re enjoying them, but they also contain a myriad of vitamins and minerals. Watch out though…some mixes tend to contain large amounts of added sugar like pralines.
Meat: One of the best things you can do for your teeth when you sit down to a holiday meal is to fill up with meat. Unlike popular sides such as mashed potatoes and stuffing, ham and turkey don’t contain added sugar. Plus, the protein will help to keep you feeling full longer so that you avoid excessive munching.
Vegetable Trays: If you’re still trying to figure out what to add to the list of appetizers to enjoy before the big meal, consider a vegetable tray! Fiber will help clean your teeth, and it’s a great alternative to a handful of sugary candy or cookies.
Sugar-Free Candy or Gum: Nowadays, there are plenty of sugar-free options that still taste delicious! When you’re stuffing the stockings this year, consider adding in a few of these options to help keep your family’s teeth healthy.
Holiday eating and your teeth
Enjoy the holidays with a plan to care for your teeth by being mindful of what you’re consuming and keeping up with a regular oral hygiene routine. It only takes a minute to duck into the bathroom and brush your teeth. Your teeth will thank you in the long run.
New Jersey DENTAL SEDATION SERVICE
At Dental Sedation Services, we provide high-quality, advanced dental anesthesia services to general dentists and dental specialists in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area. The anxiety that many patients experience when receiving dental care is significantly reduced when treated in a familiar environment. Our office-based anesthesia services make dentistry more accessible and affordable, while offering patients the convenience of receiving comprehensive dental care in their own dental practice. For more information, you can contact us at (732)986-3690, or visit our website.