One of the best things about the holidays is the food, and some say the best holiday diet is no diet at all. But our waistlines aren’t the only things at risk during the holidays. What about our teeth? While it’s important to brush and floss, choosing the right foods for our dental health is just as important. Below is a list of the top naughty and nice holiday foods for your teeth this season.
Top 3 “Naughty” Foods
Chocolate
There’s good news and bad news about chocolate. The bad news is that light-colored chocolate, like milk chocolate, typically contains a lot of sugar. The sugar digested by the bacteria in your mouth creates acid that can and will eat away at the protective tooth enamel and can cause cavities. The good news, however, is that pure dark chocolate is okay to enjoy every now and then. Why? Because antioxidants and less sugar are better for both you and your teeth!
Candy Canes
It’s easy to slip a candy cane into your mouth as you decorate, but these are one of the worst treats to indulge in this season! Sucking on them exposes you to sugar for longer periods of time, increasing your risk of cavities. Chomping down an also cause them to get stuck in your teeth and possibly lead to tooth fractures.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries alone are great good for your oral health. They contain a nutrient that prevents bacteria from sticking together in your mouth, and cranberry juice can reduce plaque by 95%! But Cranberry sauce is a different story. It contains high amounts of sugar and creates a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria.
Top 3 “Nice” Foods
Nuts
You don’t have to avoid all nostalgic holiday snacks; warm roasted nuts are on the “nice” list. Nuts contain magnesium, iron, and calcium to help keep you and your teeth strong and healthy. They also stimulate saliva, keeping harmful bacteria at bay. Now all you have to decide is whether you want cinnamon-covered almonds or walnuts!
Turkey
Turkey is protein-packed and non-fermentable, so it won’t stimulate cavity-causing responses in the mouth. It also contains phosphorus, which works with calcium to encourage strong teeth and bones. So feel free to pass the turkey, but hold the cranberry sauce!
Fruits and Veggies
Fibrous foods like fruits and vegetables get your teeth cleaning saliva flowing. These snacks are your best defense against cavities and gum disease. Add some fresh fruits and veggies to your charcuterie board right next to the nuts and cheese for a healthy, delicious appetizer! But be sure to avoid dried fruits, as it can stick to your teeth and keep bacteria in your mouth fed for hours.
If you do spoil yourself with “naughty” holiday foods, try to make sure you eat them around mealtime and limit snacking throughout the day. This will reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar. Regardless of what treats you eat this season, just remember to practice moderation and balance. Your teeth and waistline will thank you!
About the Practice
A graduate of the Georgetown University School of Dentistry, Dr. Robert Blake has served the Beverly community for over 30 years. We focus on providing a high level of care and providing a range of services from general cleanings and checkups to cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Katherine Staniek received her Advance Education of General Dentistry from the Clement Zablocki Medical VA Center and is trained in Clear Correct, Botox, and dental fillers. We offer the latest techniques and technology to our patients, providing beautiful results and a pleasant experience. To learn more about our services visit our website or contact us at (978) 927-3515.