7 Holiday Foods That Wreak Havoc on Your Smile

The leaves are falling, twinkly lights are everywhere, and music is in the air… it must be the holiday season! While this certainly is the most wonderful time of the year, as an experienced dentist, I also know that this is about the time cases of cavities spike drastically. While that’s certainly in part due to a more relaxed oral hygiene routine, it’s important to know that certain holiday foods are also to blame. With this in mind, keep reading to learn which dishes you should pass and splurge on this year.

So, Which Holiday Foods Should You Avoid?

When presented with a smorgasbord of different mouth-watering holiday treats, it’s tempting to just grab a little bit of everything. However, many dishes and sides are less than smile-friendly, significantly increasing your risk of tooth decay. Therefore, it’s a good idea to pass on the following carb-filled, sugary foods:

• Candy canes
• Pecan pie
• Sweet treats, like gummies, taffy, and peanut brittle
• Stuffing
• Baked goods
• Eggnog (especially spiked eggnog)
• Dried fruit

10 Holiday Foods That Are Delicious and Mouth-Healthy

If your favorite part of the holiday season is the food, don’t worry – there are plenty of delicious dishes you can fully enjoy without wreaking havoc on your oral health. Here are a few to load your plate with:

• Cooked vegetables, like Brussel sprouts, carrots, and broccoli
• Lean protein, such as turkey and salmon
• Cheese
• Softer nuts, like cashews
• Dark Chocolate
• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Green bean casserole
• Fresh fruit, like cranberries and apples
• Leafy greens, like spinach and kale

All of these are delicious and nutritious, helping your body fight against decay and infection.

How To: Keep Your Teeth Decay-Free This Holiday Season

Now that you know all about which foods to fill your plate with, it’s time to talk about something that is just as important: prioritizing your at-home oral health care. All too often, the hectic schedules, out-of-town plans, and days off mean brushing and flossing falls to the backburner. Unfortunately, this allows the sugars, food particles, and plaque in your mouth to wreak havoc on your teeth. To prevent this from happening, it’s of the utmost importance that you commit to brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Furthermore, you should avoid unhealthy dental habits, like using your teeth as tools to open things and smoking. Lastly, do your best to stick to a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet the majority of the time, and drink plenty of water.

Why Your Six-Month Dental Checkups and Cleanings Are a Must

To catch dental problems in the early stages, screen for oral cancer, and prevent tooth decay, you need to visit your dental team every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. If you have yet to schedule your second visit of the year, then now is the time to do so! If you already attended yours, then now is a good time to make sure your next one is on the calendar. Remember, these routine visits play a serious role in keeping your smile healthy and happy both now and years from now.

The holiday season is meant for time with family, festive décor, and, of course, lots and lots of delicious holiday foods. However, the last thing you want is to start 2022 with a mouth full of cavities. Don’t worry – you can help prevent that from happening by following the above best practices. The best place to start? By filling your plate with the right holiday foods. Next? Keep up with your at-home oral hygiene routine and schedule your next dental checkup and cleaning with a skilled dentist like myself!