Foods to Limit at Your Holiday Gathering

The holidays are just around the corner, and along with it comes a variety of foods that should be limited if you want to keep your teeth clean, strong and healthy. While we want you to enjoy your holiday feast, we also want to warn you about some of the foods that can really affect your teeth. Keep reading to learn which foods your Southern Missouri dentist recommends avoiding, or at least limiting. In moderation, these foods will be fine, just don’t overindulge in them just because it’s the holiday season.

1. Sugary Foods.

The number one thing to watch out for during the holiday season is too much sugar. From the pies and the cakes to the fudge and candies, sugar is everywhere during the holidays. Candy canes are one of the worst things you can eat, as they are pure sugar and take a while to finish; during that time, the sugar is sitting there coating your teeth. Sugary drinks are something else to watch out for. While you don’t want to deprive yourself completely, it’s important to keep in mind how sugar can damage the enamel on your teeth. The sugar reacts with bacteria on the teeth, damaging the enamel by forming plaque. When you do eat sugary foods, be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible afterward. The longer sugar stays on your teeth, the more time bacteria has to cause tooth decay.

2. Potatoes and Starchy Foods.

Potatoes, breads, crackers and other starchy foods easily get stuck between your teeth. These foods, crackers particularly, break down in your mouth, creating a mush that easily sticks to your teeth. Like sugar, starch also sticks to your teeth. Be sure to rinse your mouth well with water when eating these types of foods, as well as brush your teeth afterward. While it’s not bad to eat these sides occasionally, you should avoid eating too many helpings.

3. Acidic Drinks and Foods.

Punch is a very popular drink at holiday parties. Not only is it loaded with sugar, but it includes lemon juice and other acidic juices. Of all the acidic juices, lemon juice is the worst when it comes to caring for your teeth. Be sure to check the punch ingredients before downing cup after cup all night long. While it’s quite impossible to avoid acidic foods and drinks altogether, try to limit them. Citric acids can cause gum erosion. Consume grapefruit, lemon and other acidic drinks in moderation during the holiday season.

While you want to enjoy some holiday treats, just be sure not to over indulge. When you do eat sugary, acidic or salty treats, brush and floss afterward to prevent the sugars from sticking around. In addition, be sure to visit your dentist in Springfield, MO after the holiday season for your routine cleaning. Call Access Dental and Dentures at 877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment today!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

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