The holiday season is here, and with it comes the food we look forward to all year! From sweet pies and rich casseroles to big turkey dinners and festive drinks, my mouth is watering just typing this.
But the only thing better than getting to indulge, is getting to do so guilt-free! Here are some tips to help you avoid dental emergencies this holiday season! (or some serious cavities after)
The Strategy: When and How You Eat
The biggest factor in keeping your teeth healthy during the holidays isn’t what you eat, but the timing of it. Bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugars and starches, and they produce acid that attacks your enamel for about 20 minutes after you eat. By limiting the “acid attack” time, you protect your teeth.
- Eat Sweets with a Meal: It’s actually better for your teeth to eat dessert right after your big holiday dinner. Why? Your mouth produces more saliva during a main meal, which helps wash away sugars and neutralize acids. Snacking on cookies or candy all afternoon is much harder on your enamel.
- Don’t Skip the Protein: Go ahead and load up your plate with turkey, ham, or other lean proteins. These foods contain phosphorus and protein, which are key nutrients that help keep your tooth enamel strong.
- Chew Your Salad and Veggies: Crunchy holiday staples like celery, carrots, or even fibrous foods like green beans are excellent. They help stimulate saliva flow, and their crisp texture can actually help scrub away food particles left on your teeth.
- End with Cheese: If cheese is part of your holiday spread, consider eating a small piece toward the end of your meal. Cheese is a tooth-friendly food because it helps restore the pH balance in your mouth, which can counteract acids from other foods.
Simple Damage Control on the Go
You won’t always be near your toothbrush, but that doesn’t mean you can’t protect your smile at a holiday gathering.
- Make Water Your Best Friend: This is the easiest and most important tip. Keep a glass of plain water with you and sip it frequently, especially after having sweet drinks (like hot cocoa or cider) or acidic foods (like cranberry sauce). Water quickly rinses away food debris and sugars.
- Be Smart About Sticky Foods: Treats like caramels, toffee, and even dried fruits like raisins are extra clingy. They stick to your teeth long after you’re finished eating. If you indulge, make sure to follow up with a big sip of water.
- Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools: We see this every year! Never use your teeth to crack nuts, open stubborn packages, or tear tape. It’s an easy way to chip or fracture a tooth, which is a dental emergency you definitely don’t want during the holidays. Use a nutcracker or scissors instead.
- Always Floss After a Big Meal: After a large holiday feast, food will be packed between your teeth – especially stringy turkey and starchy bits of stuffing. It might be nasty to think about, but food can rot in your mouth. Think of these trapped food particles like tiny garbage left out on a warm day. When you leave that food sitting between your teeth, the bacteria have hours to days to feed, multiply, and produce the acid that causes cavities and bad breath. Flossing every single day is essential to remove those hidden bits that your toothbrush simply can’t reach.
- Wait 30 Minutes to Brush: If you’ve had a lot of wine, cider, or highly acidic foods, your enamel is temporarily softened. Brushing right away can cause wear. Instead, rinse your mouth well with water first, and then wait about a half hour before you brush.
Most Importantly, Enjoy the Holidays!
While all these tips can help you keep your smile healthy, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy this special time with your friends and family. Don’t stress about every bite; just be mindful of your choices.. If you have any concerns about a toothache, need a whitening before a big party, or simply want to schedule your post-holiday checkup, remember that we’re here for you. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and delicious holiday season!