The holidays will be here before you know it and that means lots of life’s indulgences. Gooey caramel apples and candy for Halloween are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bad foods for teeth during the holidays.
According to Bela Family Dentistry, sometimes even seemingly healthy foods for teeth turn out to be not so good after all.
Below is a list of bad foods for teeth that you should avoid or keep to a minimum during the holiday season.
Bad Foods for Teeth and Candy
Even soft candy is hard on teeth. Soft candy is loaded with sugar while hard candy is a double-edged sword. Broken teeth and restorations are quite common with hard butterscotch and peppermint candies being the culprits. Gummy bears aren’t any better either.
Bela Family Dentistry explains that sticky, gummy and chewy candy sticks to the fissures and grooves at the back of the teeth. Chewy and sticky candy, remember salt-water taffy, is also a no no when it comes to teeth.
Keep Red Wine and Coffee to a Minimum
If you have a penchant for teeth staining red wine, try sipping water after enjoying. Red wine stains teeth as does other highly pigmented foods. Spaghetti and curry sauce are also notorious for staining teeth.
Your morning cup of goodness isn’t that great for your teeth. If you are a tea drinker, you will suffer from teeth staining as well. Brush after your morning ritual whether it’s a cup of coffee or a cup of tea. If you can’t get to a toothbrush rinse with water.
Dried Fruit and Restorations
While dried fruit is delicious and not too bad for your diet, it can cause serious problems for your teeth and restorations.
Easily stuck between your teeth, dried fruit is sticky and loaded with sugar as well. If you have old fillings or other restorations take great care when eating dried figs, apricots, prunes or any other type of dried fruits as they can damage or even pull out your fillings or crowns.
Starchy Bad Foods for Teeth
While your Aunt’s fruitcake may be a hit at the Christmas table, it won’t do your teeth any good. Your favorite holiday cookies, cakes, and breads are starchy and tend to stay on your teeth longer than they should. Potato chips, pretzels, crackers and other snack foods are just as bad.
Try eating from the veggie tray instead of the chip bowl. Your teeth will be glad you did. Celery is nature’s dental floss and is an excellent substitute for starchy foods.
Mixed Drinks for Teeth
Carbonated soda drinks are bad foods for teeth, but so are sports and energy drinks. Enjoy water instead. If you like to imbibe every now and again, mix your alcohol with healthy alternatives. Opt for plain water and a flavored alcohol, or mix with your favorite juice.
Try following each drink with a glass of water and your teeth and the rest of your body will thank you for it.
If you would like to learn more about bad food for teeth, or just want to schedule a checkup, call Bela Family Dentistry today.
