Holidays Foods That Can Damage Your Teeth
The holidays are a fun, festive time of year. We gather with family, exchange gifts and indulge in delicious foods and drinks.
While many of us are concerned about holiday overindulgence causing weight gain, we may not know how big of an impact holiday treats can have on our teeth.
A large number of classic holiday recipes call for large amounts of sugar, while holiday drinks and cocktails can be sugary or acidic. Unsurprisingly, sugar and highly acidic foods and drinks can be harmful to your teeth and overall oral health.
Just because certain foods aren’t great for your teeth doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them during the holidays. It just means you may need to take extra precautions to keep your teeth healthy when you eat them.
Here are a few holiday foods that are hard on your teeth, and how to decrease your risk of tooth decay and gum disease this holiday season.
Pecan Pie
A classic pecan pie is loaded with sugar, with some recipes calling for molasses, honey or maple syrup, as well as sugar-coated pecans.
Not only does pecan pie contain large amounts of sugar, it’s the sticky, lingering kind of sugar that coats the teeth and hangs around long after you’ve finished your slice of pie.
Additionally, the pecans in this holiday pie can get trapped between the teeth and under the gum line. This can contribute to gum inflammation and gingivitis--the precursors to gum disease.
It’s a well-known fact that sugar contributes to tooth decay.
When you eat sugary foods, the sugar combines with the bacteria in your mouth to produce harmful acids. Those acids can dissolve tooth enamel, weakening the tooth and leading to cavities and decay.
It’s important to practice excellent oral hygiene after eating sugary, sticky foods this holiday season. Drink plenty of water to wash the sugar off your teeth, and make sure to carefully brush and floss after eating. Pay attention to any pieces of pecan that may be trapped under your gum line or between your teeth.
Caramel Popcorn
Popcorn tins are a time-honored holiday tradition for many families. Unfortunately, popcorn can be hard on the teeth, especially when it’s coated in sticky, sugary ingredients like caramel.
For starters, the kernels in popcorn are hard enough to chip a tooth during chewing, and the kernel shells can wedge themselves between teeth and under the gums.
Caramel itself is essentially pure sugar, as caramel is made from heating a variety of sugars to 340°F. Once caramel cools, it becomes a sticky, glasslike substance that can coat the teeth with a stubborn layer of decay-causing sugar.
Similar to when you eat pecan pie, it’s important to drink water and brush and floss carefully after eating caramel popcorn this holiday season.
Eggnog
Eggnog is the quintessential holiday drink, and many of us drink it at every holiday party or gathering. Unfortunately, eggnog is made with loads of sugar and cream. Plus, many eggnog recipes call for alcohol, which can contribute to dry mouth and accelerated bacteria production in the mouth. Alcohol is also acidic, which can be damaging to your tooth enamel.
It’s important to drink water while consuming eggnog to reduce the amount of sugar left on the teeth. If you’re drinking eggnog with alcohol, make sure you aren’t experiencing dry mouth. As always, brush and floss carefully after consuming sugary or acidic foods or drinks.
Candy Canes
Candy canes are a holiday tradition, but they’re loaded with sugar and typically take a long time to eat, allowing the sugars to just sit on the teeth. Candy canes are also hard and brittle, and can chip or crack your teeth if you bite them.
Take Care of Your Teeth This Holiday Season
It’s impossible to avoid all the holiday foods that have sugar, acid or other tooth-damaging ingredients. Fortunately, it’s possible to enjoy your holiday favorites without sacrificing the health of your smile.
Always brush your teeth after eating a sugary meal or drinking a sugary drink. Floss every day, and drink plenty of water during meals to wash food particles and sugar off of your teeth.
It’s also important to schedule a post holiday dental appointment. A visit to your dentist can help you get on top of any dental issues you may have, and will help get back on track for good dental health in the new year.
If you’re searching for a trustworthy dental practice in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Mat-Su Health Services is here for you. We have clinics in Wasilla and Big Lake, and we offer a sliding scale fee for patients that are uninsured or underinsured.
Contact Mat-Su Health Services to schedule your post-holiday dental appointment today.
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