From gingerbread cookies and candy canes to colourful cocktails and toffee lollies, the holidays bring festive treats and indulgent feasts, but not all holiday foods are kind to your teeth. Some snacks keep your smile bright, while others might have you dialling your dentist.
Dr Felipe Cesar Knob (Dentist) shares a ranked list of the best (and riskiest) holiday foods for dental health so you can enjoy the season without punishing your pearly whites:
The “Nice List”: Foods That Love Your Teeth
- Water and Light-Coloured Drinks: If you’re seeking drink options that have zero kilojoules and are easy on your teeth, opt for plain water or white or herbal tea, which is gentle on your teeth.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other greens pack a nutritional punch of vitamins and minerals that strengthen enamel. They also boost saliva production, which naturally cleanses teeth. Just remember to check for those rogue spinach leaves after dinner—no one wants to see themselves in holiday photos with a green tooth!
- Dark Chocolate: We have some good news for chocoholics: dark chocolate is one of the most tooth-friendly treats to indulge in during the holidays (and all year!). Why is that? “Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate, melts easily, and may even help fight plaque,” says Dr Knob. Be sure to choose varieties with 70% cocoa or higher for the healthiest option.
The “Naughty List”: Foods to Enjoy Sparingly
- Red Wine: A classic holiday drink that also may have some health benefits, red wine isn’t so great for your pearly whites. Red wine is a triple threat: acidic, staining, and drying. If you decide to imbibe, rinse with water afterwards to minimise discolouration.
- Sticky Sweets: Caramel, taffy, and other sticky lollies cling to teeth, making it harder for saliva to wash away the sugar. These sweets linger long after the last bite, creating a perfect environment for cavities to form.
- Candy Canes: These holiday treats might look harmless, but their prolonged sugar exposure can harm tooth enamel. Sucking on them keeps sugar in contact with teeth longer, increasing the risk of decay. Consider hanging them on your Christmas tree instead!
How to Keep Your Holiday Smile Merry and Bright
Start the New Year with a Healthy Smile
Head into 2025 with a bright and beautiful smile. Take the first step by scheduling your post-holiday dental checkup today!
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.