The holidays are a time for family, fun, and—let’s face it—delicious food! 🍪🍷 While indulging in festive treats is part of the fun, it’s important to remember how some holiday favorites can impact your teeth. At Schmitt Dental, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy while still enjoying the season.
Here are four common holiday foods that can do more harm to your teeth than you might realize:
- Holiday Drinks
Whether it’s eggnog, punch, or a glass of holiday wine, festive drinks are everywhere this time of year. While they add to the holiday cheer, they can also harm your teeth in sneaky ways. Most holiday beverages fall into one (or more) of these three risky categories: sugary, acidic, or alcoholic.
- Sugary Drinks: Drinks like soda, eggnog, and even fruit juice are packed with sugar. When sugar sits on your teeth, it feeds bacteria that produce acids, leading to cavities. Did you know a ¼ cup of eggnog alone can contain over 20 grams of sugar? That’s a lot for such a small sip!
- Acidic Drinks: Citrus juices, wine, and soda have high acid content, which weakens enamel and makes teeth more prone to sensitivity and cavities.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is not only acidic but also dries out your mouth by reducing saliva production. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and keeping harmful bacteria under control.
Tips to Enjoy Holiday Drinks Without the Guilt:
- Use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Drink water in between beverages to rinse your mouth and stay hydrated.
- Opt for moderation, and don’t sip sugary or acidic drinks slowly over long periods.
- Fruitcake
Ah, fruitcake—the dessert that seems to divide every holiday gathering! While its sticky sweetness might appeal to some, it’s not doing your teeth any favors.
Fruitcake contains three key culprits: sugar, carbohydrates, and sticky dried fruits. Sticky foods cling to your teeth, making it easier for bacteria to thrive and produce enamel-eroding acids. Combine that with sugar, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for cavities.
Did You Know? Sticky foods, like fruitcake, increase the risk of cavities because they adhere to your teeth longer than non-sticky foods. The longer they stick around, the more time bacteria have to do damage.
Holiday Tip: If you can’t resist fruitcake, rinse your mouth with water after eating it and brush your teeth about 30 minutes later. Better yet, opt for less sticky desserts like fresh fruits or a small cookie instead!
- Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a staple on many holiday tables, and cranberries in their natural form are actually great for your health! Packed with antioxidants, cranberries help fight inflammation and protect against certain diseases. Plus, compounds in cranberries can even help fight harmful bacteria in your mouth.
But Here’s the Catch: The canned cranberry sauce most people serve is loaded with added sugar—often 24 grams or more per serving. Plus, cranberries are naturally acidic with a pH of about 2.3. When combined with sugar, this can lead to rapid enamel erosion and tooth decay.
Healthy Alternative: Consider making your own cranberry sauce from scratch using fresh cranberries and less sugar. You’ll enjoy the tart flavor while keeping your teeth (and body) happy.
- Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a holiday favorite with its combination of chocolate and crunchy candy canes. While it’s delicious, it’s also double trouble for your teeth:
- Sugar Overload: The sugar in peppermint bark feeds bacteria in your mouth, which produce acids that erode your enamel and lead to cavities.
- Hard Candy Crunch: Chewing on hard candy (like crushed candy canes) can crack teeth or damage fillings, braces, crowns, and other dental work. Over time, this can cause small chips and fissures, leading to sensitivity or larger dental issues.
Holiday Tip: If you love peppermint bark, enjoy it in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Look for softer or sugar-free alternatives to reduce the risk to your teeth.
Keep Your Smile Healthy This Holiday Season
The holidays are about creating memories, sharing laughter, and spending time with loved ones—not stressing about what’s on your plate. Prioritizing your oral health doesn’t mean skipping all the treats, but it does mean making intentional choices:
- Enjoy sugary and sticky foods in moderation.
- Drink water to rinse your mouth after enjoying holiday drinks and desserts.
- Stick to your dental hygiene routine—brush twice a day and floss daily.
Remember, one treat won’t ruin your smile, but consistent care will protect your teeth for the long haul.
Focus on What Matters Most
At Schmitt Dental, we’re here to remind you that the holidays are about more than just food. Whether you pass on the fruitcake or indulge in peppermint bark, don’t forget to focus on family, friends, and the joy of the season.
If you have any dental concerns or want to start the New Year with a healthy, confident smile, we’re here to help! Schedule your post-holiday cleaning or check-up with Schmitt Dental today.
🎄 Happy Holidays from all of us at Schmitt Dental! 🦷✨