Believe it or not, the new year is only a few short weeks away! As you spend that time decorating your home and shopping for the perfect gifts, chances are you’ll be surrounded by a wide assortment of delicious holiday foods. But be careful; as yummy as many of these items are, they can easily leave a lasting mark on your smile. Your family dentist in Center can tell you about the best and worst holiday foods for your oral health.
Holiday Foods That Are on the “Naughty” List
If you’re not careful, these holiday foods could spell disaster for your smile:
- Candy canes. It’s no secret that these classic seasonal treats are pretty much pure sugar. Sucking on them bathes your teeth in sugar that attracts cavity-causing bacteria. Chewing on them could even fracture your tooth, which could force you to spend the holidays with an emergency dentist.
- Carbonated drinks. The fizziness of these beverages also wears down the enamel of your teeth, making you more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. If you can’t avoid these drinks entirely, sip them through a straw to minimize direct contact with your teeth.
- Eggnog. Just one standard glass of eggnog contains almost the amount of daily sugar recommended by most nutritionists. This much sugar can put your teeth at serious risk for cavities.
- Chocolate. The harmful bacteria in your mouth love the taste of chocolate just as much as you do, using its sugar as fuel to create cavities. Dark chocolate is a slightly healthier option, as it contains less sugar.
Stick to These “Nice” Holiday Foods Instead
When planning your holiday snacks or meals, it’s a good idea to fill your plate with some of these mouth-healthy options:
- Cheese. In addition to being rich in calcium (which promotes strong teeth), cheese has natural antibacterial properties and reduces pH levels in your mouth to neutralize acids produced by bacteria.
- Nuts. Not only do nuts contain many vital nutrients, but they also increase saliva production, washing excess food debris and bacteria off of your teeth.
- Vegetables. Fresh veggies help your teeth and gums fight off infections. Plus, their fibrous skins naturally scrub your teeth clean as you chew them.
- Turkey. This holiday staple is packed with protein and calcium to strengthen teeth. Just go easy on the cranberry sauce to avoid eating too much sugar!
Making these simple changes in the coming weeks can ensure your smile stays merry and bright through the holiday season and into the new year!
About the Author
At Family Dental Center of East Texas, we have a children’s dentist as well as a family dentist using their expertise to treat patients. Dr. Thomas Youngblood earned his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. Dr. Mireya Martinez graduated from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. They are both members of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. For more information on keeping your smile healthy this holiday season, visit their website or call (936) 427-9070.