With the holiday season coming around, you may be excited to see your friends and family. You may have events with your loved ones surrounded by foods and treats that help you all get into the festive spirit. However, some of your favorites can cause trouble for your smile if you aren’t careful. Here’s which ones you should have in moderation and how to keep your teeth strong until the new year and beyond.
What Holiday Foods Are Bad for My Teeth?
Many holiday foods may taste good, but they aren’t great for your smile. It’s important not to overindulge in them to avoid developing oral health issues. Here are ones that you should be wary of:
- Candy canes are a classic that you likely get during the festive season. They are mainly sugar, which feeds the bacteria in your mouth, leading to cavities. Not only that, but since they are hard, they’ll expose your teeth to these particles for longer while increasing your risk of chips if you bite down on them.
- Sweet hot drinks like hot cocoa, cider, and mulled wine can also be high in sugar. You sip on them, meaning you will be introduced to it more. You may also develop stains because of them! Cold options like eggnog can also spell trouble.
- Caramels and toffees are sticky and cling to your teeth. It’s easy for them to get into hard-to-clean areas, staying on your enamel for longer, leading to decay.
- Starchy foods (chips, rolls, crackers etc.) feed bacteria like how sugar does. They can also get stuck in your grin.
How Can I Protect My Teeth This Holiday Season?
Thankfully, you can be proactive about your oral health and prevent any dental problems from happening. Aside from only having these foods in moderation, you should also brush and floss twice a day. This simple habit can take bacteria and plaque off your teeth, reducing your risk of cavities.
You should also enjoy your sweets with a meal. If you eat them alone throughout the day, then the sugars can linger in your mouth. However, eating your lunch or dinner with them, you’ll be able to wash it down more easily.
Last but not least, visit your dentist if you are due for your next checkup and cleaning. They can watch for the early signs of dental problems and give you the treatment you need to fix them. That way, you can still enjoy a treat while you relish in the holiday season.
About the Practice
At Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh and Dr. Kim Cao. We are here for the community throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. While you still deserve to indulge in your seasonal favorites, our team is here to help you avoid a wide range of oral health issues through routine visits. If it’s time for your next semi-annual cleaning, schedule an appointment or call our office at
(972) 820-7294.