It’s that time of year to show thanks as well as the Christmas spirit! With the festive season upon us, you’re likely excited to spend time with loved ones, share gifts, and enjoy all the delicious staple meals during these months. While many treats might be mouthwatering, they might not be the best options for your oral health. To keep your teeth safe, here are a few holiday foods you’ll want to be careful with this season.
Stuffing
Thanksgiving feast usually isn’t complete without a side of stuffing to enjoy. Nearly every household includes this savory dish during dinner, which is why you’ll want to avoid overindulging on it. This is because stuffing mostly consists of carbohydrates and is incredibly starchy. Similar to sugar, starches can easily increase the risk of bacterial growth, which can then lead to enamel erosion and cavities.
Baked Goods
Baked treats like pies, cookies, and cakes will likely make an appearance during the holiday feast. While these might be some of your favorite desserts, you’ll want to avoid overindulging in them. Since they’re packed with sugar, eating these foods throughout the day can leave your teeth vulnerable to bacteria, cavities, and even gum disease.
Dried Fruit
If you’re looking to enjoy healthier foods for your smile, then you’ll likely consider eating more fruits for their nutritional benefits. While this is the case for fresh ones, dried fruit can actually be harmful to your pearly whites. Not only are they typically sugary, but they’re also quite sticky, meaning they can get lodged between your teeth and increase your risk of accumulating bacteria and forming cavities.
Candy Canes
During Christmas time, you’re likely to find candy canes wherever you go. While this is a favorite and traditional treat for many, it can still be harmful to your oral health due to the sugar it consists of. Candy canes are made of sucrose (common table sugar) and corn syrup (modified starch), meaning they can easily increase your chances of getting cavities over time.
Even though many holiday foods and treats can have negative impacts on your teeth, you don’t have to completely avoid them during the season. Simply enjoy them in moderation and remember to rinse and clean your teeth afterward. By doing so, you can be sure to fully enjoy your favorite foods while keeping your pearly whites safe!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck has been delivering decades worth of reliable and comprehensive dental care. He’s undergone countless hours of continuing education to refine his skills, and he’s also a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and the Columbus Dental Society. If you want to know more about how to care for your smile during the festive season, visit our website or reach out to us at 740-392-6156.