The holiday season is officially in full swing! Many people are looking forward to all the gift-giving, quality time spent with loved ones, and (of course) countless opportunities to eat. Although your taste buds might be happy during this time of the year, the foods you eat can wreak havoc on your oral health if you’re not careful. With that in mind, here are a few holiday foods you should eat in moderation to protect your smile.
Stuffing
For some people, a Thanksgiving feast is not complete without the stuffing. Even though it’s not particularly high in sugar, it’s still very damaging for your teeth. The dish is composed primarily of carbohydrates, making it a very starchy food. It promotes the accumulation and 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, leaving them vulnerable to problems like decay, cavities, and plaque buildup.
Candy Canes
Everyone knows that sugar can have detrimental effects on your teeth. Well, candy canes are basically pure sugar. They’re composed primarily of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup. Any time you eat one, cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth feeds on the particles, producing a harmful acid that attacks the enamel. To protect your teeth against cavities and decay, you should only eat candy canes in moderation.
Eggnog
Have you ever tried eggnog? If so, then you know that it’s an acquired taste. Some people love it while others hate it! Because it’s alcoholic and sugary, it’s also not the best drink for your teeth. Instead, consider reaching for something sugar-free like gin and tonic. That way, you can still enjoy a relaxing drink without having to worry about your smile!
Dried Fruit
Fresh fruits are a delicious, healthy snack. On the other hand, dried fruit is not as nutritious for your mouth and body. Since it’s chewy, it tends to sticky easily to the surfaces of teeth, providing nourishment to cavity-causing bacteria. That’s why it’s always a good idea to opt for fresh fruit whenever possible or simply eat dried fruit in moderation.
Sugary Baked Goods
Baked goods like cookies, pies, and cakes are prevalent during the holidays. Although they’re certainly tasty and hard to resist, they’re not the best for your oral health. Overconsumption can put your mouth at an increased risk of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and several other oral health problems. During this time of the year, it’s especially important to exercise moderation when it comes to sweets.
Don’t put your smile at risk this season. By eating these popular holiday foods in moderation, you can ensure your oral health stays in tip-top shape these coming months!
About the Practice
At BridgeMill Dental Care, we strive to treat every patient that walks through our door like a member of our very own family. Our team always goes the extra mile to ensure you and your family receive comfortable, high-quality, and exceptional dental care. For more ways to keep your smile healthy this holiday season, visit our website or call (803) 650-3925.