Be Careful Around These 4 Holiday Foods That Can Hurt Your Teeth

As wonderful as the holidays are, they aren’t necessarily a good time for your teeth. Many of the treats that people tend to indulge in around this time of year could end up doing a lot of harm to your smile. While you always have the option of calling your dentist if you have any concerns about your dental health, it’s generally best to avoid oral health problems altogether if you can help it. To that end, you should protect your smile by exercising caution around these 4 popular holiday foods.

1. Candy Canes

Candy canes are a symbol of the holidays, but you should try not to eat them too often. Hard candies in general can have a devastating effect on your teeth. Not only can they wear down your enamel if you try to chew on them, but the fact that they stay in your mouth a long time means that your teeth and gums will be exposed to sugar for quite a while – which can significantly increase your risk for cavities and gum disease.

2. Cranberry Sauce

You may want to think twice before covering your turkey with cranberry sauce. This well-known holiday staple tends to be high in sugar, making it less than ideal when it comes to oral health. On top of that, cranberry sauce also happens to be acidic, meaning it can weaken your enamel. That being said, you may want to consider switching out cranberry sauce for sugar-free cranberry juice, which can help fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

3. Stuffing

The stuffing that is served at many holiday meals may seem harmless, but it can be worse for your smile than you might think. When the starch in stuffing is exposed to your saliva, it can be broken down into sugars that increase your risk for cavities. And since stuffing can easily get stuck between your teeth, there’s a chance that it will remain in your mouth for quite a while.

4. Gravy

When you cover the food on your plate with gravy, you may be putting your smile at risk. Like cranberry sauce, gravy often contains sugar and is acidic, making it bad news for your enamel. Also, gravy is sticky and can cling to your teeth, which can encourage harmful oral bacteria to breed. Make a point of brushing your teeth thoroughly after eating any meal that includes gravy.

Avoiding the above holiday foods – or only enjoying them in moderation – can be the key to helping you and your loved ones get through the holiday season without any major oral health issues.

About the Author

Dr. Aaron Springhetti received his dental education from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He has completed courses in dental implants and a variety of other treatments. He is proud to be able to offer a wide range of dental services at Springhetti Dentistry in Carmel. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Springhetti, visit his website or call (317) 875-7645.