Holiday Foods That are Harmful for Your Teeth

?The holiday season is filled with sweets and treats that only come around once a year. It may be tempting to overindulge, but keep in mind that certain foods and drinks are extra bad for your teeth (not to mention your waistline). Below is a list of the worst offenders when it comes to holiday food and drinks:

Gravy

For some people, the gravy is the best part of the Thanksgiving meal. While the sauce is a staple to pour on turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, you may want to think twice before drowning your meal in gravy. Gravy contains a lot of oil, which can leave a film on your teeth after a meal. This makes your teeth more susceptible to plaque build-up and erodes the enamel.

Sticky Desserts

Pecan pies, puddings, sticky buns, and cookies are everywhere during the holiday season. These treats contain a lot of sugar which, due to their sticky texture, can get stuck on teeth very easily. If you tend to go back for second or third servings, there is the potential for a lot of plaque to form on the teeth.

Eggnog

A glass of spiked eggnog has two things going against it: sugar and alcohol. Eggnog is loaded with added sugar, which we all know is bad for our teeth. When you combine it with alcohol, which is very acidic, you have the perfect combination for plaque build-up. Even if you choose to consumer a non-alcoholic eggnog, do so in moderation.

Candy Canes

The main ingredients in candy canes are sugar and corn syrup, with a bit of peppermint flavoring. Even though they may taste like they are leaving your breath minty fresh, candy canes can wreak havoc on your teeth. Since candy canes are a hard candy and take a long time to eat, the sugar from the treat stays on your teeth for a long time. This can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Caramel Popcorn

The big popcorn tins that make their appearance around the holidays aren’t the best choice to keep your teeth healthy. In particular, the caramel popcorn is the most worrisome for dentists. The sweet shell or caramel surrounding the popcorn leaves a coat of sugar on the teeth. What’s more, when the caramel popcorn gets stuck in your teeth, the sugar stays there until you floss it out.

If you do partake in a holiday treat, be sure to drink plenty of water afterwards and brush your teeth as soon as possible. This will help to wash away the sticky residue left on your teeth.

As the year comes to an end, don’t forget to take advantage of your dental health benefits. Make a cleaning appointment today with Vacendak Dentistry by calling 757-609-3510 or scheduling online.