Festive décor is going up, sparkling lights are making an appearance, and happy music is all around – it must be the holidays! Whether you are staying home this year or traveling to see family, your favorite part of the festivities is most likely the same: the copious amounts of delicious treats. To ensure your teeth don’t fail you in the process, keep reading to learn six holiday foods to indulge in sparingly this season.
6 Holiday Foods to Eat Sparingly This Season
From gooey pecan pie to marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, there are lots of holiday staples that are by no stretch of the imagination “mouth healthy.” Since they have the potential to chip, crack, or otherwise damage your teeth, it’s important to steer clear of the following foods:
- Candy canes
- Eggnog
- Sugary baked goods
- Hard foods, like raw nuts
- Sticky treats, like caramel and taffy
- Dried fruits
A Few Mouth-Healthy Treats to Enjoy Instead
Don’t worry – just because the above foods are “off-limits” doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of delicious alternatives. Here are a few:
- Pumpkin pie
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked veggies
- Fresh fruits
- Lean protein, like turkey
- Red wine (in moderation and with a straw)
- Green bean casserole (just be careful of raw nuts)
- Salads
- Soft dinner rolls
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During the Holidays
Choosing what to indulge in is an important first step in keeping your teeth happy and healthy during the holidays. Equally as important is prioritizing good dental habits, like brushing twice a day. You should also be flossing daily and rinsing with mouthwash regularly. Next, do your best to avoid grazing throughout the day. This can increase your risk of developing cavities due to the prolonged exposure to food particles and sugar. Lastly, make sure to schedule your second checkup and cleaning of 2021 (or your first of 2022!).
The holidays are meant for time with family and much-needed R&R, not hours spent at your emergency dentist’s office. The good news is you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a dental injury by being cautious about the foods you choose to indulge in. To learn more about keeping your teeth in tip-top shape throughout the holiday season, get in touch with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Carlson Advanced Dentistry & Facial Esthetics, our team is here to help you enjoy a healthy, happy smile now and for many years to come! We know that the last quarter of the year is filled with lots of sugary, delicious holiday staples, which is why we go above and beyond to provide meticulous checkups and refreshing cleanings. If you don’t have your next routine visit on the calendar yet, then don’t hesitate to schedule it via our website or by phone at 904-262-8449.