Pass On These 4 Foods This Holiday Season

It’s that time of year when family and friends are coming together to enjoy delicious holiday foods. Whether it’s savory or sweet, it can be hard to say “no” to your grandma’s sweet potato casserole or your mom’s to-die-for stuffing. But if you’re concerned about the state of your oral health and plan to ring in the New Year with a showstopping smile, you’ll need to be mindful of these four dishes this year.

4 Foods/Beverages to Eat in Moderation or Stay Away From This Holiday Season

As you sit down at the table, you may think it’s impossible to avoid some of your favorite dishes. While it’s better to politely pass on the following foods and beverages, you can take steps to enjoy them in moderation while remembering to take care of your teeth and gums immediately following lunch or dinner:

• Stuffing: No matter how your family chooses to serve it (homemade or store-bought), it’s not the sugar content that is the problem. Instead, it’s the carbohydrates. Consisting of nothing but starch, this dish offers no protein or healthy fats and can easily welcome bad bacteria. If left on the teeth for too long, it can cause bacteria to metabolize and form harmful acids that break down tooth enamel.
• Eggnog: If you are an avid eggnog fan, you may be sad to learn it is most definitely not something you should consume in mass quantities this holiday season. Not only does it contain sugar, which can cause cavities, but it also has alcohol in it, which can cause your mouth to become dry and harbor bad bacteria. If you like to enjoy a “healthier” alcoholic beverage, try something that is without sugar.
• Dried Fruit: Fruit of all kinds is good for you, right? Wrong! Many dried fruits found in cakes, “salads,” and other flavorful concoctions have excessive amounts of sugar. Also, they’re chewy and can stick to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Because it is often hard to remove, they can remain on your pearly whites longer than necessary, causing decay to form. Instead of reaching for the dried variety, try enjoying fresh fruits to keep your sweet tooth satisfied.
• Candy Canes: You may get a big smile on your face when seeing candy canes this time of year, but it’s best to move along and avoid the sugar and potential damage. These teeth-breaking treats can easily send you to the emergency dentist’s office if you’re not careful. Although full of sugar, they can cause you to chip, crack, or break a tooth. Look for foods that are easier on your smile and don’t contain as much sugar.

Ways to Protect Your Smile Throughout the Holidays

If you decide to consume any of the above-mentioned foods, make sure you do so in moderation. Also, be proactive when it comes to taking care of your smile after consuming your family’s extravagant lunch or dinner. A few tips to keep in mind that will better protect your smile include:

• Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine throughout the holidays
• Scheduling a visit with your dentist in Falls Church to discuss tips and tricks to avoid potential decay and cavities
• Giving up bad habits that will weaken your teeth and make you more susceptible to dental emergencies (i.e., nail-biting, eating ice, smoking, chewing on inanimate objects, using your teeth as tools)

The holidays are a fun and exciting time with family and friends. Make sure to keep your oral health in check, so you can spend more time making memories instead of seeking help in a dentist’s chair.

About the Practice
Purple Plum Dentistry consists of three dental experts, each of whom specializes in a unique area of dentistry. Dr. Anita Kianimanesh, Dr. Kasra Khamooshi, and Dr. Nima Majd are available to provide comprehensive services designed to improve, repair, and rebuild smiles of all types. With a clear focus on preventive dentistry, our team will not only work to detect and treat problem areas, but we’ll provide essential tips to help you maintain optimal oral health, especially during the holidays. If you are preparing for a big trip home to visit family and are worried about the effects of food on your smile, contact us at (703) 998-4244.