The holiday season is synonymous with joy, gatherings, and a plethora of delectable dishes that tempt your taste buds. However, not all festive foods are friendly to your teeth. From grandma’s famous apple pie to your cousin’s sweet potato casserole, tempting tooth-averse meals will be all over the table. How can you enjoy them without ruining your dental health?
Luckily, you can find some strategies for doing just that below. Continue reading to learn how to balance the scales between deliciousness and responsibility.
1. Tread Carefully with Sugary Treats
Holiday sweets are abundant, from cookies and cakes to candies and pies. While it’s tempting to indulge, be mindful of the sugar content. Excessive sugar can contribute to tooth decay. Remember to practice moderation and, when possible, choose desserts with less refined sugar like fresh fruit.
2. Beware of Sticky Delicacies
If you need another reason to refuse fruitcake, you’re in luck. Fruitcakes, caramel treats, and other sticky confections can be particularly troublesome for your teeth. The gooey consistency adheres to the enamel, continuously exposing your teeth to the sugar. This provides a breeding ground for bacterial plaque. If you enjoy these treats, be sure to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth shortly afterward.
3. Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Alcoholic beverages like red wine and mead are often a part of holiday celebrations. However, excessive alcohol can have adverse effects on your dental health. These drinks can contribute to a dry mouth, reducing saliva production that helps neutralize acids and prevent tooth decay.
4. Stay Hydrated
Water is a stalwart ally in supporting good oral health. Between bites of your aunt’s blackberry cobbler, sip water to help cleanse your mouth and neutralize acids. Water also helps stimulate saliva production, fighting off harmful bacteria from plaque.
5. Create a Dental Care Kit
The most important thing to do during the holidays for your dental health is to continue your oral care routine. Sometimes if you’re traveling from house to house throughout the season this can be difficult. So, create a dental care kit that you can keep in your bag or in your car to keep you on track. Include a toothbrush, some floss, and a travel-sized tube of toothpaste.
The holidays are a time to celebrate, and delicious foods are an integral part of the festivities. By making mindful choices and balancing indulgence with dental awareness, you can savor the season while preserving your smile.
About the Practice
At Sommers Family Dentistry, Dr. Adam Sommers and Dr. Norman Sommers are brothers who grew up immersed in dentistry. They now seek to help their patients with their dental problems while educating them about their dental health. They use the latest dental technology and techniques to create high-quality results that will make you smile. To schedule an appointment, call (419) 668-3606 or visit the website to learn more.
