The holidays are about connecting with family, and one of the best ways to do that is over food. Whether it’s sharing meals or giving treats as gifts, good food can make us feel much closer to the people we love. That said, not thinking about what’s on your plate can mean a lot of trouble for your oral health once the holidays are over.
Thankfully, there are really only a few foods you need to watch out for, and choosing treats that are better for your oral health is fairly easy. Here are a few holiday foods that can be rough on your teeth and what you should try indulging in instead.
Sticky Pies
Apple, cherry, and blueberry pies are all delicious, but each of them can have negative effects on your teeth. The sugar in sticky pies coats the entire mouth and stays there, feeding bacteria that contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Many darker berry pies also leave pigments behind that can discolor your teeth. Instead of fruit, opt for sweet potato pies this holiday season. These won’t cling to your teeth, and they’re rich in vitamins that foster tooth health.
Candy Canes
Candy canes work as well as an ornament as they do a snack. However, hard candy can do damage to your teeth if you bite down on them. If you miss the taste of peppermint this December, opt for chocolate with a peppermint filling. Chocolate is one of the better candies for your oral health; not only is it soft, but it also doesn’t cling to your mouth the way that caramels or gummies might.
Popcorn Tins
These are often passed around at white elephant exchanges and office parties. Large tins of popcorn, often with two or three flavors, are a delicious treat that can last you for a long time. However, chewing unpopped kernels is a good way to wind up with a dental emergency. Not to mention, a lot of flavored popcorn is coated in sticky sugar. If you want to give one of these out this December, try to find a tin that contains a little less sugar, and shake it to move all the unpopped kernels to the bottom. You can also try buying bags of popcorn, which typically don’t have as many kernels.
Of course, each of these foods is fine in moderation. So long as you maintain your brushing and flossing routine over the holidays, your oral health should be just fine.
About the Author
Since Dr. Charles Fana, Jr. opened Compass Dental in 2000, he has helped thousands of patients to take better care of their smiles. He gets to know all the people who visit his office personally so he can understand their unique needs. Dr. Fana received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville and has completed the entire curriculum at the L.D. Pankey Institute. He’s also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Georgia Dental Association. If you have any questions about taking care of your teeth this holiday season, Dr. Fana can be reached at his website or by phone at (912) 352-3955.
