Watch Out! Don’t Let These Holiday Foods Harm Your Teeth

The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and the holiday season is right around the corner. During this time of the year, there are countless opportunities to feast on delicious foods. Unfortunately, most of our favorite seasonal meals aren’t all that great for our oral health. To protect your smile, you should be mindful of the things you eat and how often you eat them. That said, here are a few holiday foods you should watch out for this season.

Stuffing

What’s a Thanksgiving dinner without the stuffing? It’s a holiday favorite that almost always makes an appearance on this special day. Even though this dish is not high in sugar, it can still have detrimental effects on your teeth. Because stuffing is a starchy meal, it can contribute to plaque buildup and lead to cavities. Like sugary foods, it promotes the accumulation and growth of bacteria that feed on the sugars that the starches are broken down into. This process results in the secretion of a harmful acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth.

Candy Canes

Candy canes are basically pure sugar. They’re composed mainly of sucrose, which is common table sugar. They also contain high fructose corn syrup, a modified starch. Everyone knows that sugar can have detrimental effects on teeth. It increases your risk of oral health problems like decay, cavities, and even gum disease. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to only eat candy canes in moderation.

Eggnog

Do you like eggnog? Some do, others don’t. It’s safe to say that it’s certainly an acquired taste, which is why it’s not a very popular drink option. Since it’s alcoholic and high in sugar, it’s not the best drink of choice for your teeth. However, drinking it in moderation won’t destroy your pearly whites. But to keep your smile safe, reach for something sugar-free like gin and tonic instead.

Dried Fruit

Some people think that because it’s fruit, it’s a healthy, nutritional snack. However, dried fruit sticks easily to the surfaces of teeth, providing nourishment for cavity-causing bacteria. Whenever possible, you should opt for fresh fruit because it’s easier on your teeth.

Sugary Baked Goods

It’s no secret that sugary baked goods aren’t particularly good for your oral health. Unfortunately, the holidays will bring many of these treats your way. Cookies, homemade pastries, pie, cake, you name it! Even though you should always be consuming these foods in moderation, it’s especially important during this time of the year.

Do you want to enjoy a cavity-free smile this season? By consuming these holiday foods in moderation, you can keep your oral health in tip-top shape!

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Lacquaniti has over a decade of dentistry experience under her belt. She completed her dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since graduating, Dr. Lacquaniti has attended numerous hours of continuing education courses to refine her skill set. For more holiday tips, visit our website or call (352) 383-8121.