The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and a variety of delicious treats. While indulging in festive foods is a tradition, it’s important to be mindful of your dental health. Many popular holiday foods can pose a risk to your teeth if consumed without moderation. Some can even cause dental emergencies.
If you want to enjoy the season’s delights while safeguarding your smile, continue reading. You’ll find five foods to avoid for a cleaner ho, ho, holiday grin.
The classic and often sun-about Christmas cookie is usually a sugar cookie covered in a layer of festive sweet icing. Though delicious, excessive sugar intake can contribute to tooth decay. Try to eat these in moderation and consider enjoying them with meals rather than as standalone snacks.
Caramel treats, such as popcorn balls and chocolate-covered caramels, can stick to your teeth. If the sugar of these delights isn’t enough, their stickiness can prolong your teeth’s exposure to it, promoting cavity-causing bacteria.
Avoid eating these if possible, but if you need an alternative, try caramel apples. The caramel is still clingy, but apples are like natural toothbrushes, cleaning teeth as you chew. (Although nothing makes up for actually brushing your teeth.)
Ah, the festive candy cane. While sweet and minty, it is also a traditional treat that can damage your snowy whites! Hard candies may seem harmless, but they can pose a risk of chipping or cracking your teeth. Consider alternatives like sugar-free gum, which can stimulate saliva production and help cleanse your mouth.
Nuts and seeds are nutritious but can be hard on your teeth. Enjoy them in moderation and be cautious if you have dental work, as they can annoyingly get stuck in your teeth or under the caps of crowns or dental implants.
Red wine, a common holiday beverage, contains tannins that can stain teeth and acid that erodes enamel. Together these can cause tooth sensitivity and discoloration. To help alleviate some of this, pair your wine with water to stay hydrated and some cheese to reduce the impact of the acid.
Maintaining dental health during the holidays is about balance and mindful eating. Enjoy your favorite festive foods, but be aware of their potential to harm your teeth. Following good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and staying hydrated, will help you embrace the holiday season with a bright and healthy smile.
At Weldon Dental of Rome, Dr. Ryan Weldon and Dr. Leigh Howell Weldon make a dynamic husband-and-wife team dedicated to restoring smiles and helping their patients out of pain. If you or a loved one find yourselves needing a dentist in a pinch, they have same-day emergency appointments available. To schedule an emergency appointment, call (706) 232-2082 or visit the website to search for other services.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
