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Good and Bad Holiday Treats For Teeth

Good and Bad Holiday Treats For Teeth

Holiday treats for teeth don’t have to be bad, but how do you know what Christmas goodies to avoid, and which ones to enjoy?

According to Colgate, some of the holiday snacks you get every year from your Aunt in Wisconsin may seem healthy, but that sticky fruitcake that you love can cause some issues with your teeth.

Try to Steer Clear Of

Dried Fruit-Holiday treats like figs, apricots, dates, mangos or any other dried fruit will stick to your teeth and although you may think you are doing your waistline a favor, your teeth won’t be thanking you very much. Try fresh fruit instead, but be sure to savor the citrus in small doses.

Citrus-Citrus fruits are plentiful during the winter, but that doesn’t mean you should over indulge. Tomatoes, yes, tomatoes are a fruit, limes, kiwi, lemons, oranges and grapefruit are highly acidic and can erode the enamel on your teeth. Try eating these types of fruits with a meal and make sure to rinse afterwards.

Starchy Foods-Sticky cinnamon buns, those warm pretzels that you always get every year and all of that yummy bread will stick to your teeth, and French Fries aren’t any safer. Try eating your breads, including cookies and cakes as part of another meal and don’t forget to brush and floss afterwards.

Eat More

Cheese-Cheese can help prevent tooth decay as it neutralizes the acids in your mouth. Enjoy those cheese trays at your next holiday party and you will be strengthening the enamel on your teeth. Try to add dairy to your meals as it can also help build strong bones and teeth.

Raisins-Loaded with naturally sweet goodness, raisins don’t contain table sugar or sucrose. Bacteria loves sugar and will stick to the surface of your teeth, which will in turn produce plaque. A source of phytochemicals, raisins may help kill the bacteria that cause plaque. Some compounds found in raisins may also slow the bacteria that causes gum disease.

Crunchy Foods

That veggie tray at your work Christmas party is just as good for your teeth and gums as it is for your waistline. Chewing helps disturb dental plaque and acts like a cleansing mechanism so instead of the bacteria sticking your teeth it is washed away when you enjoy cucumbers, apples, and carrots. Celery is another great vegetable as it acts as dental floss to clear away food particles.

This Christmas steer clear of the bad stuff and enjoy the holiday foods that are just as good for your body as they are for your teeth and gums.

If you would like more information regarding dental tips or holiday treats for teeth, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Shinto and his team of Pasadena Dentists today.