The food that surrounds the holiday season is, no doubt, delicious! But don’t forget that all of the foods you eat do have an affect on your teeth, and it’s important to be aware of what you’re eating. This blog will list some of the most common holiday foods and their effect on your teeth.
Holiday Feast Foods
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie, on one hand, is great for your teeth because it has lots of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy gums. On the other hand, this pie also has a lot of added sugar so be e sure to brush after enjoying a slice.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy have a lot of potassium, B6, and vitamin C. On the other hand, potatoes are starchy and they can easily bring in bacteria that will cause cavities. That’s why you again need to brush as soon as possible after eating.
Macaroni and Cheese
Since Macaroni and Cheese has a lot of calcium, it’s a great food for boosting dental health. However, it is also full of sugar, and that means you might be faced with cavities in the long run. We recommend you to clean your teeth quickly after eating this food.
Green Bean Casserole
Since the Green Bean Casserole has a lot of mushrooms and green beans, it is a very healthy meal. But as you know, you can end up with some beans stuck in between your teeth. Flossing will help you get rid of that, so it’s not a huge deal to begin with. In fact, it’s a great staple to have in any holiday meal!
Yams
Yams are full of vitamins and are great for your overall health and even for your vision. However, if they are combined with marshmallows they can be very sticky. So the best thing that you can do is to eat them with moderation to avoid any effects on your teeth.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Sauce is not exactly a good thing for your teeth. There is often lots of sugar or sugar alternatives added in there. This acidic, sticky dish can easily cause dental decay and stains. Fortunately, most of us only enjoy this dish during the holidays and not on a regular basis. Just remember to clean your teeth properly afterwards.
As you can see, not all holiday food is problematic for your teeth. Sure, there are some foods that have quite a bit of sugar, but if you eat them carefully and with moderation you’ll be just fine. But one thing is certain, you have to clean your teeth after eating to avoid any stains or other problems.
The holidays are often a time for indulgence! It’s also important to keep your health in check during this season, so be sure to schedule your appointment today! Call Beetham Dentistry at (425) 825-8800 for information.
