There is nothing like enjoying a meal with family and friends this time of year. With so many holiday foods readily available, snacking takes on a whole new meaning. But consuming too many unhealthy options can leave you skipping the festivities in search of an emergency dentist. To make sure that you’re spending quality time with those you love this holiday season, consider limiting your exposure to certain foods and better protect your smile.
Swap Wine for Water
It’s hard to pass on a glass of wine during the holidays, but if you want to avoid stains and possible cavities, it’s best to make the switch to water.
Commonly red wine is paired well with most seasonal foods, so if you want to enjoy some during dinner, feel free, but limit it to a single glass. When finished, switch to water. The reason is that this hydrating beverage not only flushes your mouth of any staining tannins found in red wine but also keeps your salivary glands working overtime so that harmful particles do not remain on teeth and gums.
As a result, you’ll feel more at ease knowing that your teeth are less likely to develop cavities and discoloration, especially once you brush and floss your teeth before bed.
Be Mindful When Eating Candy
From candy canes and peanut brittle to homemade cookies and cakes, the holidays never seem to lack access to plenty of sugar. Unfortunately, too much of it can spell disaster for your teeth.
Even if your mom or grandmother keeps dishes of sweet treats out in the open for tiny fingers to grab, make yourself a promise to be smart about indulging. While eating a single piece of chocolate will not immediately cause a cavity to form, you’ll want to limit how much you consume during your stay.
These often contain high amounts of sugar that can cause decay to form if left in place for too long. Making sure that you practice good oral hygiene when you wake up and before you go to bed is essential.
Also, be careful when eating hard candies, as these can cause you to chip or crack a tooth, which only leads to an emergency visit with your dentist.
Opt for Fresh Fruit Instead of Dried Fruit
When you hear the word “fruit,” you might automatically assume that it is healthy. Unfortunately, many companies want you to think that their products are safe to consume; however, they often contain a lot of sugar. This is true with dried fruits.
No matter the type, these sticky and chewy treats can be problematic for your teeth. Not only will they become stuck within the pits and grooves of your chewing surfaces, but their sugar contents will be a welcome guest for bad bacteria and plaque.
Instead, stick to fresh fruits to get the same sweetness but without the stickiness.
These are only a few foods that you’ll need to be careful of this holiday season. While you’re welcome to eat them in moderation, you’ll want to make sure that you’re taking optimal care of your smile to avoid any sudden trips to see your emergency dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Cole Simpson is a native of Boerne and completed his dental degree at the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. As one of two leading dentists at Boerne Dental Center, he works to help patients explore preventive options to improve their smiles. When it comes to preparing for the holidays, he and our team can offer suggestions and solutions to minimize the possibility of damage or decay during these months. If you have questions about what you can do to better protect your pearly whites, contact us via the website or by calling (830) 249-2045.