The months between Halloween and New Year’s Eve are filled with nights by the fire, time with family, and lots and lots of food! After all, pumpkin spice lattes, peppermint candies, and warm pecan pie are just a few seasonal staples that only come around this time of year. Unfortunately, these festive treats aren’t exactly mouth-healthy, which can lead to decay and cavities in the new year. To prevent that from happening, read on to learn the best and worst holiday foods from a family dentist in Gorham.
5 Smile-Friendly Holiday Foods
Fortunately, keeping your smile in pristine condition doesn’t mean you have to stick to just “boring” foods. When you grab your plate, fill it up with the below smile-friendly options:
- Cheese – This charcuterie board staple is antibacterial and has lower pH levels, helping create a less acidic environment for your mouth.
- Nuts – From walnuts to almonds, nuts contain magnesium, iron, and calcium, all of which keep your teeth strong.
- Veggies – Cooked carrots, raw celery, and sauteed broccoli are packed with vitamins and nutrients that promote strong teeth from the inside-out.
- Turkey – The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is actually quite good for you since it contains phosphorus, which works with calcium to strengthen your teeth. Just be sure to limit the sugar-filled cranberry sauce.
- Dark chocolate – If you need a little something sweet following your holiday meal, you’re not alone. Instead of reaching for gooey caramel cookies or hard candy, opt for dark chocolate (the higher the cocoa content, the better!).
A Few Foods to Avoid This Holiday Season
Now that you know what to fill your plate with, it’s time to discuss a few cavity-causing foods to avoid. During the holiday season, be sure to exercise moderation with the below foods:
- Candy canes
- Carbonated beverages
- Eggnog
- Stuffing
- Sugary baked goods
- Dried fruit
The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without copious amounts of food. Fortunately, you can still indulge in the end-of-the-year festivities and keep your smile in tip-top shape. Just make sure to keep the above information in mind when filling up your plate!
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Ted Morgan, Dr. Kelsey Hill, and Dr. Brett Morgan, each member of our team at Morgan-Hill Dental Care is united behind a mission to deliver high-quality dental care in a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you are struggling with a painful toothache, interested in perfecting your smile for the new year, or are simply overdue for your routine checkup and cleaning, you’ll find everything you need right through our doors. If you are looking for a dentist in Gorham, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 207-839-2655 to schedule your appointment!