The holiday season is full of fun and great food. Unfortunately, not all that food is good for your teeth and gums. In fact, holiday eating can wreak havoc with your oral health. But we have good news: there are several seasonal snacks that can actually benefit your teeth and gums! To help you navigate through the holidays while still maintaining your good oral health, we’ve compiled this list of foods you can enjoy guilt-free.
- Say cheese! The next time you’re wondering which party snack is tooth-healthy, head for the cheese tray. This delicious dairy treat is actually one of the most beneficial for your teeth. Not only does cheese work to fight bacteria in your mouth, it also help lower pH levels, making your mouth less acidic. Of course, you should remember that cheese is also relatively high in saturated fat, so you might want to remember – everything in moderation!
- Enjoy your veggies. Amidst all the trays of cookies, candy and fruitcake, you’re bound to find at least one veggie tray. It’s probably no surprise that vegetables are good for your oral health. But some are especially helpful. Celery and carrots, in particular, are almost as good as brushing your teeth. Chewing these crunchy snacks helps to remove plaque, not to mention providing you with lots of healthy nutrients and vitamins.
- Find the fruit. Fresh fruit is another excellent choice. Apples are especially healthy for your teeth. They’re crunchy enough to work like nature’s toothbrush, and sweet enough to produce extra saliva, which helps to wash away food debris inside your mouth. Steer clear of candied fruits that are common around the holidays, since they contain an amazing amount of sugar.
- Snack on nuts. You’re likely to find a variety of nuts around at holiday get-togethers, which is fortunate for your teeth! Nuts provide you with not only a good dose of healthy calcium; they also produce saliva, which helps wash away leftover food particles and keep your teeth clean.
- Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum is another great way to stimulate saliva production. It also helps to keep you from eating those foods that can be harmful for your teeth.
Navigating through the holiday season while still maintaining your good oral health may be somewhat of a challenge, but it can be done if you just remember which snacks to enjoy. Stay away from too many sweets, and that includes beverages like eggnog and carbonated sodas. And, of course, stick with your regular oral hygiene routine of brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once. Happy holidays!
