The holidays are here again, and for many people that means enjoying sweet treats such as candy canes and pumpkin pie or curling up with a mug of hot chocolate. However, it’s important not to get too caught up in the festivities, or you might leave yourself vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease – two of the most common diseases in modern times. Read on to learn from a dentist in Lakewood how your diet around the holidays could end up damaging your oral health.
How Can Holiday Treats Hurt My Smile?
Whether it’s candy, pie, cookies, or other specialties, people tend to eat a lot more sugar around the holidays. When the bacteria in your mouth are exposed to this sugar, they produce an acid that eats through the hard layer of enamel protecting your teeth; this is what leads to cavities that, if left unchecked, could cause you to lose your teeth.
Furthermore, if you don’t maintain a balanced holiday diet, it could increase your risk for gum disease. Poor nutrition weakens your immune system, and that makes it harder for your gums to resist an infection. Gum disease is particularly dangerous for your overall health because it has been linked to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Thus, it’s important to be aware of what you’re eating at all times and the effect it’s having on your mouth.
How Can I Create a Diet That Promotes Good Oral Health?
Try to stay away from soft, sweet or sticky foods that contain sugar and tend to cling to the teeth. That means limiting the amount of cake and candy you snack on during the holiday season. Keep some tooth-friendly alternatives on hand instead, such as plain yogurt, nuts, raw vegetables, or cheese.
Make sure your mouth stays moist; saliva is important for cleaning and protecting your teeth and gums. Sugarless candy or gum can help increase saliva levels if you suffer from a dry mouth.
In general, you need to be careful around any food that contains carbohydrates (sugar and starches) that contribute to tooth decay, such as crackers, cookies and chips. It’s better to enjoy these foods as part of a meal instead of by themselves. For example, eating cheese along with crackers will help neutralize any acids that form in the mouth.
Finally, be careful not to overeat during the holiday season. You give oral bacteria a chance to develop every time you put food in your mouth; in fact, studies have found that oral health issues have a connection to overeating. Moderation is the key in any diet!
If you’re not sure what effect your diet is having on your oral health, talk to your dentist right away. They can help you make better choices so that your pearly whites stay healthy and bright for the rest of the holiday season.
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino decided to become a dentist after a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, when he realized the difference a great smile can make for a person’s life. At his practice, Lakewood Complete Dentistry, he follows a three-part philosophy of serving patients and making them comfortable while providing quality dental care. If you’re worried that your diet might be hurting your teeth and gums, you can schedule an appointment at his Lakewood office by visiting his website or calling (303) 238-2800.