8 Holiday Foods That Are Harmful To Your Oral Health

While holidays are a time of family dinners and Christmas parties, there are some holiday foods that can have long-term negative effects on the health of your teeth. Here are 8 party foods you should stay far away from this festive season.

One of the very best things you can do for your oral health, apart from regularly visiting your Calgary dentist and brushing/flossing daily, is sticking to a healthy and balanced diet.

In fact, making the right nutritional choices can have many benefits, such as:

• Lower risk of developing cavities
• Stronger tooth enamel
• Less likelihood of developing periodontal disease
• Lower risk of tooth decay and tooth loss

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At our Calgary clinic, our dentists believe that your dental health is interconnected with your overall well-being, which is why our holistic oral care approach focuses on whole-health wellness, from our use of biocompatible materials and safe removal of amalgam fillings, to state-of-the-art dental techniques.

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8 Holiday Foods That Are Bad Your Teeth

The holidays are a time to indulge, which is why many individuals consume sweeter treats more often than they do the rest of the year. However, while you may be able to exercise all the extra calories away, you cannot undo all the damage such holiday foods can cause your teeth.

For a healthier and more beautiful smile this festive season, here are 8 foods and drinks dentists suggest you avoid:

1. Candy Cane. While this iconic Christmas food may look harmless, hard candy canes are extremely bad for your enamel because they’re packed with sugar and they can cause chips and cracks in your teeth.

2. Caramel apples. Caramel apples may be a delicious indulgence, but they are also extremely sticky, sugary, and acidic. Because they stick to your teeth, they feed bacteria that can cause cavities, increasing your risk of tooth decay.

3. Bourbon. For events such as work Christmas parties, bourbon often makes a tasty and cheeky addition to traditional eggnog. However, along with other spirits, Bourbon can wreak havoc on your dental health and lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.

4. Popcorn. Popcorn is a popular holiday food because it isn’t quite so rich or fatty. Sadly, popcorn is one of the worst foods for your teeth, since the kernels cannot only cause chips, but they can also get lodged between your teeth and gum line, allowing bacteria to build up.

5. Dried Fruit. It’s true that dried fruit is an excellent source of fibre and nutrients, but you should be careful how many you eat! These are loaded with sugar and can increase your risk of developing cavities.

6. Pumpkin Spice Latte. This drink has fast become a favourite during the holidays, but it is also one of the worst things you can drink. Not only will the coffee stain your teeth, but this latte is also very high in sugar and fat, which will exacerbate the bacteria growth on your teeth.

7. Red Wine. Red wine is extremely acidic and will cause staining of your teeth. If you do want to enjoy this holiday beverage, then make sure to rinse your teeth with water frequently.

8. Stuffing. Stuffing may be a holiday staple, but it is also a very sticky food. This means that it can be very difficult to remove from between your teeth, allowing bacteria to break it down, turn it into acid, and wear away your enamel.

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To find out how our holistic dentists can help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy during the holidays and all year round, contact us today at 403-245-9099 or book an appointment.