The holidays are here, which means that you’re going to be tempted by a table full of delicious homemade sweets, stuffing, and a variety of other treats that you only get to eat once a year. To look after your oral health, you don’t have to completely avoid eating these delicious foods, but it is a good idea to be mindful of how often you munch on them throughout the season. Read on to learn the top four holiday foods that can affect your oral health and why you shouldn’t eat them as frequently as you normally would.
Stuffing
Stuffing is a cornerstone side dish, especially when you’re making a turkey! Even though it’s not packed full of sugar, this carb-filled treat can still wreak havoc on your oral health. As you chew stuffing, the process of digesting it happens nearly immediately. Beta-amylase is an enzyme that helps breakdown foods and converts them into sugars and starches in your mouth so your body can process them and use them as energy. Unfortunately, this enzyme also binds to harmful oral bacteria that are known to cause cavities and allow them to attach to the surface of your teeth. If you are planning on eating your fair share of stuffing this holiday season, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and brush and floss your teeth afterward.
Homemade Sweets
For many people, there’s nothing to get you in the holiday spirit like homemade cookies, brownies, pies, and other sweets. Unfortunately, even if they’re grandma’s recipes, you’ll still need to do your best to stay away, because they’re likely packed full of sweets that can fuel harmful oral bacteria that are known to cause cavities and gum disease. Be mindful of what you’re eating and try to avoid snacking on sweets throughout the day.
Eggnog
Eggnog is a classic holiday beverage that some people hate, and others love. Whether your family specializes in making homemade boozy eggnog or buys a carton from the store, both of these will have a massive amount of sugar in them. In addition, the boozy eggnog can contribute to dry mouth and enamel erosion if you’re not careful, so try to drink plenty of water alongside this beverage and make sure to not go overboard.
Candy Canes
It’s safe to say that candy canes are pure sugar. As you suck on them, they can coat your mouth in sugars that attract cavity-causing bacteria. Unfortunately, they also pose another risk—possibly breaking a tooth! This sweet is hard, so try to avoid biting down on one, because it might land you in your emergency dentist’s treatment chair!
In order to enjoy your holidays to the best of your abilities, it’s a good idea to look after the health of your mouth. By being mindful of how often you’re eating these four popular holiday foods, you can avoid receiving bad dental news that could ruin your holiday cheer!
About the Author
Dr. Gunveen Chawla has always been interested in dentistry, even when she was a child. She attended dental school in India and worked in a private dental office for awhile. Later, she moved to the United States and pursued her Doctor of Dental Surgery at New York University. She is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in her field, which led her to become certified in laser dentistry and be recognized as a fellow of the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. To schedule a checkup and cleaning with an experienced, trusted professional near you, visit Salmon Brook Dental’s website or call 860-653-4551.