Which Holiday Foods Are The Worst For Your Teeth?
Happy holidays from all of us here at Patriot Family Dental! As you prepare for holiday festivities, it’s important to remember your teeth. In particular, it’s important to know which holiday foods are the worst for your teeth.
Let’s explore some seasonal dishes and drinks that can wreak havoc on your smile.
1. Pecan Pie
Pecan pies are made with eggs, butter, a variety of sugars (including sugar syrup) and molasses . Some recipes call for honey or maple syrup, which only increases the sticky factor. These sugary, sticky substances can get stuck on your teeth and be hard to clean off. Additionally, high sugar content can cause your mouth to overproduce bacteria that will cause tooth decay and bad breath.
If pecan pie is on the menu this holiday season, make sure you drink plenty of water to wash the stickiness off your teeth as you eat.
It’s also important to increase your brushing and flossing routine to account for all the extra sugar.
2. Alcohol
The term “holiday spirit” can have multiple meanings.
From spiked egg nog and punch to a traditional holiday wine, there are lots of alcoholic beverages to enjoy throughout the season.
Unfortunately, the majority of these beverages contain a ton of sugar and are very acidic, two qualities that can be a nightmare for tooth health.
Some alcoholic beverages, like dry red wine, also cause dry mouth . Because saliva helps keep your teeth moist and fight bacteria, drinking too much alcohol can facilitate excess mouth bacteria. This can cause bad breath, throat pain and even make it uncomfortable to speak. It can also cause tooth decay.
Again, make sure you’re combining your egg nog or wine with a plenty of water, and brush and floss carefully after a night of drinking.
3. Holiday Gravy
Who doesn’t love to smother their Christmas turkey and mashed potatoes in this warm, savory liquid?
Unfortunately, gravy is oily and viscous, coating every single tooth when you eat it.
This can accelerate plaque and bacteria build-up and make it easier for cavities and tooth issues to crop up. Make sure you thoroughly brush and floss after a holiday dinner where gravy is on the table. Your teeth will thank you!
Need a Dental Check-Up? Don’t Wait!
The holidays are meant to be enjoyed by all. Don’t let a possible tooth problem ruin the fun!
Patriot Family Dental can get your teeth in top shape for the holidays, so you can enjoy all the festive holiday foods without worrying about your dental health.
Contact us today to learn more or make an appointment.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
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