It’s the silly season
again and that means lots of parties and lots of food, and even if you are
watching your weight, there are some foods that you should avoid or keep to a
minimum to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
When you eat foods
and drinks that contain sugar, the bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth
will feed on sugar creating acids. Those acids will wear down the enamel making
it weaker. The weaker your tooth’s enamel, the more susceptible you will be to
tooth decay and gum disease.
The holidays are
known for lots of goodies including sweet treats, cakes, candies and
deliciously sweet dried fruit, however, those dates and dried cherries in the fruitcake
could cause problems for your teeth. Dried fruit may be good for your figure,
but can also stick to your teeth. If you must enjoy a dried apricot, fig, or
date, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
If you snack on
sweets all day or over an extended period, such as a holiday party or holiday
event, it can be especially harmful, as damaging acids will form in your mouth
every time you consume a snack that is loaded with sugar. Even healthy servings
of cranberry sauce can cause those acids to start forming. If that isn’t bad
enough the sugary treat will continue affecting your teeth for 20 minutes or
more after you have finished.
Snacking on sugary
drinks and sweets all day long will increase your risk of gum disease and
decay. If you brush and floss after indulging, you will see a reduction in
bacteria.
When it comes to
keeping cavities at bay, your dentist recommends that you balance out your
sugary drinks and sweets with other types of foods. Eating sweets with foods
that are rich in carbohydrates will help ease the impact that sugar will have
on your teeth.
If you must indulge,
choose wisely and consume sweets that dissolve quickly as this will limit the
contact with the enamel on your teeth. Instead of caramels and gummy Santa’s, opt
for plain dark chocolate, which is said to be good for your teeth.
Make sure that you
are prepared and carry floss and a toothbrush with you. If you are eating sweets,
it is important to brush if you can. However make sure that you wait about a
half an hour if you are consuming foods that are acidic, such as wine or citrus
fruits, as brushing can soften the enamel if you do not wait.
This holiday season
think before you eat and drink, and remember to schedule an appointment with
your dentist for the New Year.
