There sure are some tasty foods that peak in popularity toward the end of the year, but your teeth can’t be counted among their many fans. A lot of holiday foods are high in sugar, which is problematic for your tooth enamel.
Keep reading as your dentist in Lincoln points to some festive food items that you should watch out for.
Stuffing
Also known as dressing depending on how it is served, this side dish has many fans during the holiday season. This item might not be as obvious of an inclusion as the others in a dental blog but consider that stuffing is primarily made from herbs and a starch such as bread. Just like sugary foods, starchy items promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria which feed on the sugars that starches are broken down into. The bacteria secrete acid as they metabolize the sugars, hence the problem for your tooth enamel.
Candy Canes
Candy canes get to represent all the problematic, sugary holiday candy for the purposes of this blog post. The double whammy with hard candy is that it has all the sugar concerns for your teeth, but it adds the threat of cracking a tooth if it is bitten into once too often.
Eggnog
Considered an acquired taste by some, eggnog certainly has its fans to go along with more than its fair share of sugar. Alcohol is no picnic for your tooth enamel either, but eggnog is the main concern in that regard. A sugar-free gin and tonic is much more tooth-friendly if you are looking for some holiday spirits.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit may taste good like fresh fruit, but it is generally more problematic for your teeth. It can stick to your enamel similarly to gummy candy, which fuels cavity-causing bacteria. The reason fresh fruit isn’t always better is that something very acidic like a lemon, for example, is hard on your enamel.
Cookies
You don’t need an expert to tell you that cookies and other sugary baked goods can be problematic for your teeth. There are going to be a lot of opportunities to indulge in this regard around the holidays, so try your best to exercise moderation with such things. Anytime you eat something with sugar, brushing your teeth soon afterward can be beneficial. Even swishing some water around in your mouth can remove some food particles and slow the efforts of harmful bacteria.
Not to pick on these foods too much – obviously, they are only a few of the many items that could’ve been selected to highlight on this topic. The big takeaway is to consider how what you are eating and drinking might affect your teeth and to act accordingly with adjustments to your oral hygiene regimen.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is a member of the American Dental Association and a native of Lincoln. He and his wife, Stephanie, love to travel, so they undoubtedly catch up with some relatives near and far during the holidays. Dr. Olberding understands the challenges of making wise decisions around holiday foods, and that the key is being diligent about oral hygiene while he’s otherwise in vacation mode. After the holiday meals are through, you can schedule a dental cleaning and exam by visiting his website or calling (402) 488-2325.