Food Making Our Dentist’s Naughty List This Holiday Season

The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and plenty of delicious treats—but some of these festive foods can take a toll on your teeth! While it’s okay to indulge in holiday favorites, certain treats can increase the risk of cavities, enamel erosion, and gum issues. At Lifetime Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Arzegar and our team have put together a “naughty list” of holiday foods that are best enjoyed in moderation to keep your smile healthy.

Here’s what to watch out for this holiday season, and some tips for keeping your teeth in top shape while enjoying the festivities!

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1. Candy Canes and Hard Holiday Candies

Candy canes and hard holiday candies may be a seasonal staple, but they’re one of the biggest culprits for dental issues. These candies are loaded with sugar, which fuels harmful bacteria in your mouth. Plus, hard candies can lead to chipped or cracked teeth if you bite down too hard.

Why They’re on the Naughty List:

• High sugar content increases the risk of cavities
• Can cause fractures or chips if bitten

Tip: Savor candy canes by letting them dissolve slowly instead of biting down, and rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize sugar buildup.

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2. Sticky Sweets (Caramels, Toffees, and Chewy Candies)

Sticky treats like caramels and toffees are a holiday favorite, but they cling to your teeth and are difficult to clean off, which increases the risk of cavities. These sticky sweets can also pull out fillings or dental work, making them especially risky if you have previous dental work.

Why They’re on the Naughty List:

• Sticky texture keeps sugar in contact with teeth for longer
• Can damage dental work, like fillings and crowns

Tip: If you indulge in sticky treats, brush and floss soon after to remove any residue and protect your teeth.

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3. Sugary Hot Drinks (Hot Cocoa, Cider, and Specialty Coffee)

Holiday beverages like hot cocoa, cider, and sweet coffee drinks are comforting on chilly days, but their sugar content can wreak havoc on your teeth. Sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day keeps sugar on your teeth, promoting bacterial growth and decay.

Why They’re on the Naughty List:

• High sugar content increases the risk of tooth decay
• Warm temperatures can soften enamel, making teeth more susceptible to acids

Tip: Limit the sugar in your holiday drinks, or consider adding a dash of cinnamon for flavor without the extra sugar. Rinse your mouth with water afterward to help wash away sugars.

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4. Red and White Wine

Both red and white wine are popular choices during holiday gatherings, but they can stain and weaken teeth. Red wine’s dark pigments can leave your smile looking dull, while white wine is acidic, which can erode enamel and make teeth more vulnerable to staining.

Why They’re on the Naughty List:

• Red wine’s dark pigments cause staining
• Acid in white wine can erode enamel, making teeth susceptible to other stains

Tip: Alternate sips of wine with water to rinse away pigments and acids. If possible, brush your teeth about 30 minutes after drinking wine to protect your enamel.

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5. Dried Fruits

Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots may seem like a healthier option, but they’re often sticky and high in natural sugars. Their sticky texture allows them to cling to teeth, making it difficult to wash away sugars, which promotes cavities.

Why They’re on the Naughty List:

• High in concentrated sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria
• Sticky texture makes it hard to remove from teeth

Tip: If you’re craving fruit, go for fresh fruit instead of dried, as it has more water content and is less likely to stick to your teeth.

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6. Pies and Sweet Desserts

Holiday favorites like pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and cookies are often loaded with sugar. While they’re a beloved part of holiday celebrations, these sweet treats create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Why They’re on the Naughty List:

• High sugar content promotes cavities and gum issues
• Sticky or crumbly textures can stick to teeth, promoting plaque buildup

Tip: Enjoy these treats in moderation and try to brush your teeth after dessert. If that’s not possible, drink water to rinse away sugars.

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7. Crackers and Starchy Snacks

Holiday cheese boards often come with crackers, chips, and other starchy foods. These snacks may not taste sweet, but they break down into sugar and can get lodged in the crevices of your teeth, providing a food source for bacteria.

Why They’re on the Naughty List:

• Starches turn into sugar and can lead to plaque buildup
• Small pieces can get stuck in teeth, increasing cavity risk

Tip: Follow starchy snacks with a bite of cheese, which can help neutralize acids and stimulate saliva, aiding in natural cleansing.

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8. Sugary Alcoholic Cocktails

Holiday cocktails like spiked eggnog, sweet martinis, and mixed drinks contain sugar, which contributes to tooth decay. Alcohol also tends to dry out your mouth, reducing saliva production and making it harder to wash away sugar and acids.

Why They’re on the Naughty List:

• Sugar fuels bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities
• Alcohol reduces saliva flow, making it easier for bacteria to thrive

Tip: Choose lower-sugar options like a vodka soda with a splash of lime, and drink water between cocktails to stay hydrated and rinse your mouth.

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How to Protect Your Teeth During the Holidays

While it’s fine to enjoy your favorite holiday treats in moderation, following these simple steps can help protect your smile throughout the season:

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is your best friend when it comes to maintaining oral health. It helps rinse away sugars and acids, keeping your mouth clean and hydrated.

2. Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss

Brush twice a day and floss once daily to remove food particles and plaque. If possible, bring a travel toothbrush to holiday gatherings for quick cleanups after meals.

3. Enjoy Treats with Meals

Eating sweets with meals rather than as standalone snacks increases saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away particles.

4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after eating can stimulate saliva, helping to clean your teeth and reduce the impact of sugars and acids.

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Lifetime Smiles: Supporting Your Oral Health All Year Round

At Lifetime Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re here to help you enjoy the holiday season while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Dr. Arzegar and our team are dedicated to providing preventive and restorative care to maintain your smile year-round. If you’d like a post-holiday checkup or have questions about protecting your teeth during the festivities, we’re here to support you.

Why Choose Lifetime Smiles?

• Comprehensive Care: From cleanings to restorations, we offer a full range of dental services to keep your smile bright and healthy.
• Patient-Centered Approach: We provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.
• Preventive Focus: Our team is committed to helping you prevent dental issues, so you can enjoy your holiday treats with peace of mind.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Arzegar today and get ready to start the new year with a healthy, confident smile.

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Stay Off the Naughty List with Holiday Dental Tips

By being mindful of your holiday choices and practicing good oral hygiene, you can enjoy the season’s festivities without compromising your dental health. For more tips on keeping your smile healthy, explore our Blog for expert advice and guidance on year-round oral care.

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