The holidays are upon us, and many of us are preparing to celebrate with family gatherings that include all our favorite seasonal foods.
Holiday Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Smile
But with all the excitement, it’s easy to forget that these foods can have on your teeth. Your Dallas, TX dentist wants you to enjoy the holidays in a way that doesn’t compromise your oral health. Here are four delicious holiday foods that can also be bad for your dental health.
- Popcorn – Popcorn is a holiday favorite, but at this time of year it’s often drenched with caramel for a sweet, satisfying treat. Unfortunately, the hard kernels can crack or break a tooth, and they also get stuck between your teeth which can lead to bacterial growth and other complications. If you want to indulge, rinse your mouth and floss as soon as possible.
- Deeply-Colored Foods – Some deeply-colored foods can be very healthy, like beets or curry. But the downside is that these types of foods can quickly stain your teeth. Remember to immediately rinse your mouth with warm water or mouthwash after you consume these foods during your holiday feast.
- Carbonated Sugary Drinks – Consumption of carbonated drinks has increased dramatically, but the sugar in these drinks linger in your mouth and form acid that eats away at dental enamel and leads to decay. Try substituting with water or water-infused fruit juice to quench your thirst and keep your teeth healthy.
- Tomato Products (ketchup, hot sauce, marinara) – The acidity level of tomato products can soften the enamel of your teeth, resulting in increased tooth sensitivity or tooth decay. Dental enamel is also prone to stains due to the dark color of tomato sauces. Adding water to the sauce can help decrease acidity levels.
Please Call for More Information
The Dallas dentist is committed to providing you with all the information you need to keep your smile healthy. Please don’t hesitate to call us to learn more!