Don’t Let These 5 Popular Holiday Foods Ruin Your Teeth

The holidays are almost here, which means it’s time to decorate the house, honor family traditions, and eat plenty of delicious holiday foods! However, as you choose which tasty treats to put on your plate, remember that indulging in too many unhealthy snacks can leave you with a mouthful of cavities and weakened teeth. Thankfully, knowing which items to fill up on and which to pass on can go a long way in keeping your smile healthy all season long! Here are five popular holiday foods that you should limit or avoid altogether to protect your pearly whites.

1.) Stuffing

Are you surprised to see stuffing on this list? This staple of many traditional holiday meals isn’t very high in sugar, but it can still dramatically increase your risk of tooth decay. Stuffing primarily consists of carbohydrates, which are converted into sugars within moments of entering your mouth. Just like candy, these sugary particles fuel cavity-causing bacteria and encourage plaque buildup.

2.) Candy Canes

It’s no secret that many of the seasonal sugary treats that are popular this time of year are bad for your teeth. However, there are some that are worse than others. It addition to causing cavities, candy canes and other hard candies wear down your enamel as you chew on them. Over time, your weakened teeth will become much more vulnerable to discoloration, sensitivity, decay, and even chips and cracks.

3.) Eggnog

Some people love eggnog and some people really don’t like it. For those who enjoy this seasonal drink, it’s important that you remember that it’s brimming with sugar. In fact, one serving of traditional eggnog contains about 20 grams of sugar, which is nearly the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association. Overindulging in this unique holiday beverage can dramatically increase your risk of cavities.

4.) Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a popular appetizer and snack this time of year. While fruit does contain plenty of beneficial vitamins and nutrients, dried fruit is bad for teeth. The combination of its higher concentration of sugar and its sticky consistency help it stick to hard-to-clean areas of your mouth and attracts cavity-causing bacteria. If you can, stick to regular fruits and veggies!

5.) Pecan Pie

When it comes to fall-flavored desserts, pecan pie is a favorite for many families. However, this tasty pie is particularly bad for your teeth because it’s sugary, sticky, and hard. Eating it leaves sticky, sugary residue that’s difficult to wash away all over your teeth. What’s more, the tough pecan nuts can wear down your enamel and weaken your teeth as you chew on them. If you’re looking for a safer alternative for your pearly whites, consider choosing soft, nutritious pumpkin pie instead.

If you don’t want to cut out these popular holiday foods from your meals entirely, do your best to enjoy in moderation and avoid overindulging. Remember to keep up your daily dental habits and see your dentist every six months to keep your smile strong and sparkling all year long!

About the Author

At Aguilar Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health and teaching them all the best ways to keep their unique smiles healthy at home. Dr. Jonathan Aguilar uses both state-of-the-art technology and a respectful, friendly approach to dentistry to make every dental treatment as comfortable and effective as possible. He and his team go above and beyond to help smiles of all ages look and feel their best for a lifetime! For more oral health holiday tips, he can be contacted via his website or at (940) 566-5332.