The holidays are here and that means lots of delicious goodies for you to enjoy. However, not all of those treats are good for your waistline, much less good for your teeth and gums.
You may love your Grandmothers fruitcake, but your teeth don’t. According to Bela Family Dentistry it may seem like a healthy option, however, those dried fruits will stay in the crevices and in between your teeth. If you must indulge rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Teeth and Gums and Not So Great Treats
Citrus Fruits
Everyone loves citrus during the holidays. There is nothing better than oranges, limes, lemons, tangerines, mandarins, and of course grapefruits. However, not for teeth and gums.
Unfortunately, citrus fruits, you can also add tomatoes and Kiwi to the group eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Because of the acidic content it stays there as well. Rinse with water or enjoy your citrus as part of a meal.
Chewy Candies
Caramels, salt water taffy, sour pulls and other chewy candy can pull out your restorations, but that’s not all. Your dentist in Georgia explains that chewy and soft candies can also get stuck between your teeth.
As above, if you are going to enjoy your favorite caramels and peppermint pulls, eat in moderation and enjoy with a glass of water afterwards
Hard Candy Teeth and Gums
Butterscotch, peppermint, sour balls and jawbreakers are doubly bad for teeth. Firstly, they can crack teeth and restorations if you bite down on them. Secondly, if you suck on them you’ll be bathing your teeth in a syrupy sugar.
Eat in moderation or skip all together if you want to avoid the dentist’s chair in South Carolina.
Cakes Cookies Crackers Chips and Bread
Starchy foods stick to the crevices at the back of your teeth. Think about what stays on your teeth when you eat a blueberry muffin and you get the idea. Leave crackers, cakes, cookies, chips, breads and other doughy foods on the table. Instead opt for something lighter such as celery or carrot sticks.
Energy Drinks and Soda
Energy drinks are no better for you teeth than a can of soda. Both have large amounts of acid and will damage the enamel on your teeth. The sugar content is high as well. This means your teeth will pay the price. Soft enamel means more cavities.
Drink water, iced tea or other sugar free drinks. Just remember that the carbonation eats away at the enamel as well so steer clear of diet sodas.
If you would like to learn more about teeth and gums and healthy teeth schedule an appointment with Bela Family Dentistry today.
