Best and Worst Holiday Foods for Your Teeth

The holiday season is almost here! That means that you are probably stringing up your house with lights, listening to festive music, and pulling out the old family cookbook. No matter what you’re doing, you have tons to look forward to. However, this may just be the worst time of year for your smile. The good news is that your dentist is here to help! Read on to learn about some of the best and worst holiday foods for your teeth so you can make the best decisions for your oral health!

Worst Holiday Foods for Your Smile

It is probably a good idea to go easy on the following foods this holiday season in order to keep your oral health in check:

• Eggnog: This thick, creamy beverage is beloved by many during the holidays. However, it is particularly harmful for your smile because it has such a high level of sugar in it. When you are sipping on it for a long period of time, you are only more susceptible to damage. If you like to spike your eggnog with brandy or bourbon, you could be looking at dry mouth as well. Remember to only consume this beverage in moderation!

• Candy Canes: During this time of year, you seem to see candy canes all over the place. They are both sweet and leave your mouth with a refresh minty flavor. The issue is that candy canes are almost completely made out of sugar, which is destructive for your teeth.

• Chocolate: Chocolate also seems to make more appearances during the holiday season. Milk chocolate contains lots of sugar, leaving you at risk for cavities. Dark chocolate is a better option because it doesn’t contain nearly as much sugar. This way, you can feed your craving without having to worry about your teeth.

Best Holiday Foods for Your Smile

Fortunately, not all holiday foods are bad for your smile. Some of them even have some excellent benefits. Be sure to save plenty of room on your plate for:

• Turkey: This popular holiday entrée is beneficial for your smile. Turkey is non-fermentable, so it doesn’t stimulate cavity causing bacteria responses in the mouth. It also contains phosphorus which works alongside calcium in order to keep both your teeth and bones strong.

• Cheese: Before you break out the turkey, why not start out with a cheese board as an appetizer. It is antibacterial and helps to lower the pH level in the mouth. It is also an excellent source of calcium.

• Nuts: Is your nutcracker getting dusty? Then you probably don’t know about all the wonderful benefits of nuts. They contain nutrients like magnesium, iron, and calcium. They also help to stimulate saliva flow in the mouth.

Think about your smile this holiday season. By making wise decisions for you and your family, you will be able to start the new year cavity-free!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Duong is an experienced dentist who has been working in the dental field for a whole decade. He earned his doctorate from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and has completed various continuing education courses in a variety of topics. For more ways to keep your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (817) 406-7239.