Watch Out! These Holiday Foods Can Harm Your Teeth

The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and the days are getting shorter. It’s that magical time of the year many people look forward to – the holiday season! During this time, there are countless opportunities to indulge in delicious food and make meaningful memories with loved ones. However, if you’re not mindful of the things you eat, you could end up with a dental emergency this season. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Read along as a dentist in Collegeville explains which holiday foods can harm your teeth.

Stuffing

Stuffing is a holiday staple that always makes an appearance on Thanksgiving. Even though it doesn’t contain excessive amounts of sugar, it can still wreak havoc on your teeth because it’s high in starch. Stuffing promotes the accumulation and growth of bacteria that feed on the sugars that the starches are broken down into. This process creates a harmful acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth. As a result, you’re left more vulnerable to oral health problems like cavities, decay, and plaque buildup.

Candy Canes

Candy canes are essentially pure sugar, which everyone knows is bad for your teeth. The sweet treat is composed of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup. Anytime you eat a candy cane, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the particles, producing a harmful acid that wears down the outer layer of your teeth. It increases your risk of problems like cavities, decay, gum disease, and more. That said, you should only eat candy canes in moderation.

Eggnog

Some like eggnog while others don’t. It’s safe to say that it’s certainly an acquired taste, which is why it’s not a very popular beverage of choice. Since it’s alcoholic and sugary, it’s also not the most ideal drink for your teeth. To keep your smile safe, consider reaching something sugar-free like gin and tonic instead!

Dried Fruit

Fresh fruits are a delicious and nutritious snack. However, dried fruit is not as good for your mouth and body. Because it’s chewy, it tends to stick easily to the surfaces of teeth, providing nourishment for cavity-causing bacteria. Therefore, it’s always best to opt for fresh fruit whenever possible.

Sugary Baked Goods

Even though sugary baked goods aren’t a great choice for your oral health, you’ll still see plenty of them during the holiday season. It’s nearly impossible to avoid all the cookies, pies, and cakes that come your way during this time of the year. Even though you should always be consuming these foods in moderation, it’s especially important during the holidays.

The last thing on your mind during the holidays is probably your oral health, but it should always be a priority. By consuming these holiday foods in moderation, you can ensure your smile remains in tip-top shape all season long!

About the Author

Dr. Bradford Plasha is passionate about helping his patients achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. He completed dental education at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Since graduating, Dr. Plasha has received extensive training in several facets of dentistry. For more holiday oral health tips, visit our website or call (484) 559-6094.