Don’t Let These 4 Holiday Foods Harm Your Smile!

Now that the holiday season is nearly here, you have all sorts of fun activities planned! Whether you are looking forward to stringing up twinkling lights around your home, listening to festive music, or do some holiday baking, there is something for everyone to look forward to. However, you don’t want your smile to suffer. Here are some of the holiday treats that you should be especially wary of this year to preserve your oral health.

Eggnog

Many people find that eggnog is a little bit too sweet and heavy to enjoy. However, others would say that the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without this sugary treat. It only takes a little bit of time to mix together from scratch, and it can satisfy your sweet tooth. The problem is that this drink is full of sugar which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues if you aren’t careful. If you like to spike your cup with a shot of brandy or bourbon, you could be looking at dry mouth as well. Be sure to only consume this beverage in moderation. If you want to have an adult beverage that isn’t as harmful, try having a gin and tonic or stick to lighter beer.

Candy Canes

They are minty and refreshing, but candy canes are made almost completely out of sugar. They are primarily composed of sucrose, which is common table sugar, and high fructose corn syrup. You certainly don’t want to be sucking on too many candy canes or you will be looking at tooth decay in your near future. You should definitely keep the candy canes to a minimum.

Baked Goods

We all know that sugary cookies and other baked goods aren’t so great for your health. However, you seem to see them everywhere this time of year. If you want to avoid starting out the new year with a mouthful of cavities, only enjoy these sweets in moderation. It’s a good idea to clean your teeth thoroughly afterwards as well.

Stuffing

It may be the perfect starchy side to whatever your preferred protein is. Whether you like to enjoy chicken, turkey, ham, or something else, a spoonful of stuffing complements the flavor like nothing else. The problem with stuffing is that it is very carb heavy. Carbohydrates convert to sugar in the mouth. Ultimately, stuffing is no better for your teeth than sugary sweets are. Keep your portion sizes small. Instead, stock up on vegetables and protein.

You don’t want to start out 2022 needing fillings! By being wary of the foods listed above and seeing your dentist for regular checkups, you can begin the new year with a healthy smile.

About the Author

After studying dentistry in India, Dr. Heliben Desai earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and regularly pursues continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is a proud member of the Texas Dental Association and American Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Grand Prairie, visit her website or call (469) 346-8828.