The approaching holiday season means three things: family, fun, and lots of food! From sugary treats to all kinds of other festive snacks, many favorites that are enjoyed this time of year can take a toll on your teeth if you’re not careful. With that in mind, here are a few holiday foods that might end up harming your smile if you don’t enjoy them in moderation, along with a few other ways to keep your teeth safe throughout the merry season.
Holiday Foods That Can Harm Your Teeth
It might surprise you to learn that some of these holiday staples can harm your smile, but being cautious can save you from a dental emergency! Be mindful of the following:
- Candy canes – These classic holiday treats are almost pure sugar, and they also dissolve slowly in the mouth—meaning your teeth are exposed to the sugary particles for even longer! Not to mention, they’re also a chipping hazard.
- Caramels & toffees – Sticky candies cling to teeth and get lodged in hard-to-clean areas, and they also stay on enamel longer than most foods, increasing the chance of decay.
- Starchy foods – Stuffing,rolls, chips, and crackers can all feed oral bacteria the same way that sugar does; plus, they’re often ground into powders or pastes that become stuck between the teeth.
- Holiday beverages – Hot cocoa, eggnog, mulled wine, and even apple cider can all be high in sugar, and they’re also often sipped slowly, which means more exposure to your teeth. Darker drinks can also stain enamel.
Simple Tips to Protect Your Smile This Holiday Season
In addition to being careful of the above foods, you can also take proactive steps to protect your smile from cavities and other issues during the holidays:
- Drink water frequently to wash away food particles and acids, especially if you know it’ll be a while before you can brush.
- Enjoy your sweets with meals, not as random snacks; your mouth is already producing a lot of saliva during meals, meaning your enamel has better protection.
- Do not forget to brush your teeth twice a day during the holidays, especially before going to bed at night. Flossing is just as important as brushing.
- If it’s been over six months since your last dental checkup, try to get one penciled in before the end of the year.
The last thing to remember is that moderation is key; it would be a shame to go through the whole season without some of your favorites! But by following the above tips and limiting or restraining yourself when possible, you can still satisfy your cravings without compromising your dental health.
About the Practice
With Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh, Dr. Nidhi Sharma, and Dr. Michael Ahn leading our team, we proudly serve the dental needs of patients and families in Richardson and the surrounding North Texas community. We offer a variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options—whatever your smile needs to look and feel its best this holiday season! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (972) 644-3800.