Who doesn’t enjoy coming home for the holidays and being met with all types of delicious food? From candy canes and eggnog to delicious pies and sweet potato casserole, the dishes and treats that fill tables are likely to be what you look forward to all year long. But because they are often too tempting to ignore, they can also be the most damaging to your teeth. Before sitting down to indulge in the following holiday foods, consider limiting your consumption so that you don’t experience a dental emergency.
The Dangerous Truth About Holiday Foods: Which Ones Should You Limit?
Whether it’s cavities, dental decay, or a chipped or cracked tooth, the potential harm that can come from eating certain holiday foods is real. No one wants to spend this time of year meeting with their dentist for an urgent dental exam, so to reduce your risk, consider limiting how much you eat of the following foods:
Milk Chocolate
Biting into a cookie or pie that incorporates milk chocolate is something you simply cannot beat; however, its sugar content can mean your teeth become vulnerable to dental decay. If you are doing the baking, switch to dark chocolate, when possible, as it contains less sugar and can satisfy any sweet tooth.
Candy Canes
Candy canes are a holiday staple. Coming in a variety of flavors, they can be a delicious snack when looking for something sweet. Unfortunately, their hard inner and outer layers can mean trouble for your teeth. If you bite down, you can accidentally chip or break a tooth, and if you suck on them, your teeth can become exposed to sugar for a prolonged period of time, increasing your chances of developing cavities. Try to avoid these hard candies as much as possible and instead, try chewing on a piece of minty, sugar-free gum.
Eggnog
One of the most popular beverages consumed during the holidays is eggnog. When enjoyed in moderation and regular oral hygiene is practiced, you don’t have much to worry about. However, if you drink too much of it, you could find yourself needing multiple dental fillings at the start of the new year. Eggnog contains nearly 20 grams of sugar in a single serving, so have a small glass before switching to water, and don’t forget to take care of your teeth and gums before going to bed.
Pecan Pie
You’ll be hard-pressed to find many holiday tables that don’t have a pecan pie sitting on them. If you have trouble saying no to more than one slice, you might want to start practicing, as it contains a large amount of corn syrup. This sticky substance is full of sugar, which can adhere to your tooth enamel and serve as a feeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria.
Instead of going back for seconds, stick to a single slice and wash it down with a glass of water to help flush out food particles while you eat.
The holidays don’t have to leave you yearning for your favorite foods. Enjoy them in moderation so that you not only satisfy your cravings but also maintain a healthier, damage-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. Brent Whittaker leads the team at Green Valley Dental and remains committed to helping patients out of pain. Recognizing that holidays can often lead to cavities and dental damage, he offers suggestions and tips to minimize the risk of dental emergencies. Whether it’s limiting your consumption of certain foods or finding ways to stay on top of your oral hygiene routine, he wants you to start the new year with a healthy, damage-free smile. Contact us at (740) 725-8000 or visit us online to find out what you can do to better protect your pearly whites this holiday season.