Don’t Let Popular Holiday Foods Harm Your Smile

The holidays can be a recipe for disaster for your waistline because your eating habits probably change. Besides doing more snacking, you’ll be surrounded by many delicious foods that will tempt your taste buds. This can lead to a few unwanted pounds, but it can also damage your teeth and gums. If you don’t want to hear any bad news the next time you visit your dentist, here’s a list of the top holiday foods you should avoid.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a seasonal favorite, but your dentist will recommend skipping it. Cranberries can stain your teeth because of their dark color. Cranberry sauce also contains a lot of sugar, which will expose your teeth to cavity-causing bacteria. It’s better to choose fresh cranberries and rinse your mouth with water after you’ve finished.

Stuffing

Stuffing is a staple of the holidays, but it can come back to haunt your smile. Stuffing is made from bread, which means it contains carbohydrates. Starch has the same damaging effects as sugar. It’s best to moderate your stuffing consumption. Instead, choose fresh, crisp vegetables. They are loaded with nutrients and act as scrub brushes for your teeth to keep your mouth clean.

Red Wine

If you enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner, you might want to switch to water. If you’ve ever spilled it on a white t-shirt or rug, the stain can be impossible to remove. Your teeth can also stain from dark wine. No amount of brushing can reverse tooth discoloration.

Not to mention, alcohol causes dehydration, which can make your mouth dry. Decreased saliva production creates the perfect environment for oral bacteria growth, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. 

If you can’t resist a glass of wine, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It will also rinse your mouth to keep it clean between brushing and flossing.

Promote a Healthy Holiday Smile

Besides watching what you eat, don’t let your oral hygiene habits slip. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, if not after every meal. Brush for a full 2 minutes to remove food residue and plaque. Commit to flossing at least once per day. If you’ll be traveling for the holidays, create an oral hygiene kit to carry with you to make it easy to keep your mouth clean while on the go.

Although the next few weeks will be busier, schedule your semi-annual cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will ensure your mouth is clean and healthy as you head into the new year.

About Dr. Krunal Desai

Dr. Desai achieved his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry and has regularly pursued continuing training in various specialties, like Invisalign. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment online or call (469) 717-3917.