As you get ready to throw your diet to the
wind during the holidays, you may want to consider your choices at the holiday
party table. Some of the foods you munch on could cause some serious damage to
your teeth and gums, and let’s face it; the last thing you want to deal with in
January is never ending trips to the dentist’s office.
Although you may be tempted to tuck into the
Christmas caramels, your dentist advises against it. Caramels are one of the
worst things that you can do to your teeth and are right up there with candy
canes and gummy bears. Caramels and other sticky sweets will get caught between
your teeth and the fissures and crevices on your molars. Once that happens, the
sugar will quickly convert to acid, eroding the enamel on your teeth. If you
must enjoy make sure that you brush and floss as quickly as you can, or rinse with
water.
You may think you are doing yourself a favor
by drinking white wine instead of red, but you would be wrong. According to the
American Dental Association, white wine has large amounts of acid and sugar.
Coupled together, that glass of wine could cause problems for the enamel on
your teeth. Although red wine can stain, it is a much better choice than a
glass of white wine. Make sure that you brush afterwards or try one of those
new wine wipe ups that are available online or at your local pharmacy.
Dried fruit may seem like a great choice when
it comes to the holiday buffet, but be careful. Those dried apricots, figs,
dates, mangos, and pineapples are a diabetic’s nightmare and full of sugar. If
that isn’t bad enough dried fruit, just like caramel, will stick to your teeth.
Not everything is bad for your teeth when it
comes to the holiday buffet table. Instead of sweets or starchy goodies, which
could cause more damage, sample cheese as it is loaded with calcium. Veggies
are another great choice as carrots and broccoli can help give your saliva a
boost while celery is known as nature’s dental floss.
This Christmas remember to watch what you
eat, and don’t forget to schedule your annual checkup with your dentist before
the New Year.
