It’s an unfortunate truth that many of the foods served around the holiday season can be bad for your oral health. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid these foods altogether, but it is important to be aware of the dangers they pose so that you can protect your teeth. Below are 6 examples of popular holiday foods that you need to be cautious of if you want to prevent dental problems.
1. Cranberry Sauce
For many families, cranberry sauce is a staple for large holiday meals. However, cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar, which means it can increase your chances of tooth decay. Furthermore, cranberry sauce is acidic and can significantly weaken your enamel. It’s better for your oral health to skip the sauce and instead enjoy a glass of cranberry juice with no sugar added.
2. Candy Canes
It’s no surprise that candy canes, like most sugary snacks, can be harmful to your oral health. And since you eat candy canes by sucking on them, they expose your teeth to sugar for extended periods. It’s best to avoid candy canes altogether, but if you do decide to indulge, remember not to bite down; doing so could easily lead to a chipped tooth.
3. Milk Chocolate
When it comes to sweet treats around the holidays, chocolate is always a popular choice. However, it’s better to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate whenever possible. Milk chocolate has higher sugar content, and the added dairy that it contains can contribute to bad breath.
4. Gravy
On the surface, gravy might not seem like it would pose a particularly serious threat to your oral health, but its acidic nature means that it can erode the enamel protecting your teeth. Even worse, gravy tends to be high in sugar and can cling to your teeth thanks to its sticky texture; this can significantly increase your risk of cavities. You should brush your teeth thoroughly after eating gravy to ensure that there isn’t any harmful residue left on your smile.
5. Stuffing
Like gravy, stuffing is a common holiday food that doesn’t seem like it should be problematic for your mouth. Sadly, stuffing often contains high amounts of starch, which can be just as damaging for your teeth as sugar. And if stuffing happens to get stuck in your smile, it can easily contribute to tooth decay.
6. Caramel Popcorn
There are two major ways that caramel popcorn can lead to dental problems. First, the sugar-filled caramel can get stuck to your teeth and potentially cause cavities. Second, if you try to bite down on an unpopped popcorn kernel, you might end up fracturing your tooth.
By being careful around the foods listed above and choosing more smile-friendly options, you can enjoy the holiday season while keeping your teeth safe.
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Thomas Pogue is a proud graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. At Pleasant Valley Dentistry, he helps Bettendorf patients enjoy healthy, dazzling smiles thanks to a variety of high-quality treatments that take advantage of the latest in modern dental technology. To schedule a checkup with Dr. Pogue around the holidays, visit his website or call (563) 332-7734.