The holidays have arrived…and so have all the delicious foods that go along with them! While this season is a time to enjoy delicious treats with your loved ones, it’s important to be mindful of certain ones. It can be easy to overindulge in goodies that can be harmful to your teeth and overall oral health. Here are some common holiday foods to limit to keep your smile bright and healthy for the upcoming year!
Candy Canes
With their festive colors and sweet taste, candy canes are a favorite treat during the holidays. Unfortunately, they are made up of mostly sugar, which is widely known to lead to tooth decay and cavities. Candy canes also have an extremely hard texture that could potentially chip or crack your teeth when bitten into. You can always set a goal of only enjoying only one or two throughout the holiday to protect your oral health.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruits, such as raisins and cranberries, are popular holiday treats. They are often found in nut mixes or seasonal breads. But their sticky texture can make them difficult to remove from between your pearly whites. This creates an environment where bacteria may accumulate, leading to increased plaque or gum disease. Fresh fruit is a wonderful alternative to keep your smile free and clear!
Popcorn
Whether you’re watching a movie or playing board games with your family, popcorn is often a convenient snack for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the kernels can get stuck in between your teeth and be difficult to remove. If not removed promptly, they can not only begin to annoy you but cause cavity-causing plaque to build in your mouth! If you just can’t resist that caramel or cheese popcorn, be sure to have floss handy to thoroughly remove leftover particles from between your teeth.
Eggnog
This creamy beverage is a staple at many holiday parties. Since it is made of a combination of sugar and alcohol, it is not the best drink for a healthy smile. Instead, reach for something sugar-free like gin and tonic.
Sugary Baked Goods
While delicious, these types of treats can be especially disastrous for your smile due to the additional carbohydrates, making it a very starchy food. Excessive carbohydrates cause the growth of bacteria that feed on the sugars that the starches are broken down into. This process creates a harmful acid that wears down the enamel on your teeth. Once again, set a limit for yourself, or be sure to brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating them (the wait time allows your saliva to do its job of washing away bacteria).
With a little extra mindfulness, you can still enjoy your favorite holiday treats and keep your smile whole and healthy for seasons to come!
About the Author
MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serves Fairfax and the surrounding areas through the expertise of Dr. Malcolm Murray and Dr. Ahmed Saadoon. They offer a wide range of services, from preventive to emergency dentistry, to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. By combining advanced dental technology with personalized care, your and your family’s oral health is their top priority! To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (703) 934-5540.
