Holiday Treats and Teeth: Foods to Avoid and How to Protect Your Oral Health

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and often that means indulging in delicious treats. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the festive foods on offer, some can be harmful to your teeth if consumed excessively. Here’s a guide to the foods you should watch out for and tips to protect your oral health during the holiday season.

1. Sugary Sweets
   Cakes, cookies, and candy canes are holiday staples, but they’re packed with sugar, which can fuel bacteria that cause tooth decay. Sticky sweets like toffee and caramel are particularly problematic as they cling to your teeth, giving bacteria more time to cause damage. Try to limit these treats and opt for healthier snacks when possible.
2. Dried Fruits
   Dried fruits like apricots and raisins may seem like a healthier option, but they’re often high in sugar and sticky, making them a potential hazard for your teeth. If you enjoy dried fruits, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards and brush your teeth at the earliest opportunity.
3. Alcoholic Beverages
   Many holiday celebrations include wine, cocktails, and champagne. Unfortunately, alcohol can be acidic and cause enamel erosion over time. Red wine, in particular, can also stain your teeth. To minimise the impact, drink water alongside alcohol and consider rinsing your mouth with water after consuming these drinks.
4. Citrus Fruits
   Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits are common during the holiday season, but their high acidity can weaken tooth enamel. This doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether, but it’s wise to eat them in moderation and avoid brushing your teeth immediately after to prevent enamel damage.
5. Crunchy Snacks
   Nuts, chips, and crackers can be hard on your teeth, especially if you bite down too hard on them. Be cautious when consuming crunchy snacks to avoid chipping or cracking a tooth.

How to Protect Your Oral Health During the Holidays

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids in your mouth.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans your teeth.
• Stick to Your Routine: It’s easy to let your oral care routine slip during the holidays, but brushing twice a day and flossing regularly is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
• Visit Us for a Check-Up: If you haven’t had a check-up recently, now is a good time to schedule one to ensure your oral health is in top shape for the new year.

The holiday season is a time for joy, but it’s important to be mindful of the foods you eat to protect your teeth. By avoiding certain sugary and acidic treats and maintaining your regular dental care routine, you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your oral health. Visit us if you need any advice or a professional clean before the festive season kicks off!