As you attend your numerous Christmas parties this year, it’s important that you identify the good and bad foods for your teeth before you dig in. However, we understand that this might be a tricky task, which is why we are here to help you! For a strong and healthy smile, look out for the following foods:
The Best Foods
· Gingerbread: Gingerbread is the best option when it comes to eating Christmas bread. Most bread, like banana bread and zucchini bread, are stocked full of sugar, but not gingerbread, which is why it is the healthiest option! Even though gingerbread does not have the significant amount of sugar, it is no less delicious.
· Turkey: Turkey meat is lean, healthy, and it is full of nutrients that promote strong and healthy teeth, like phosphorus, which is similar to calcium. This is the best holiday meat you can eat.
· Nuts: Nuts are also beneficial, especially almonds, walnuts, and cashews. These nuts have a multitude of healthy nutrients and vitamins that work together to keep your teeth strong. Some of those nutrients and vitamins include magnesium, iron, and calcium.
The Worst Foods
· Sweets: Sweets can be extremely harmful for your smile, which shouldn’t come with much surprise. However, we’re not asking you to completely quit eating sugary treats this Christmas, but we are asking you to eat these things in moderation. We also encourage you to drink plenty of water and brush and floss your teeth often so the sugar does not linger for long.
· Citrus foods: Citrus foods, like oranges and tangerines, are often found in the Christmas stockings, which is a healthy snack to have. However, these foods tend to erode your smile throughout time, which is why we ask you to be careful while you eat them.
· Wine: Wine, whether it’s red or white, tends to stain the teeth and dry out the mouth. This can result in a dull, unattractive, and unarmed smile this Christmas, which is why it is best to avoid the wine altogether.
Your teeth are very important. They help you talk, eat, and smile. So, it’s vital that you do everything you can to take good care of your teeth, especially during the holidays. If you have any questions, or if you would like to visit with Dr. Kinney and Musser, please feel free to call Art & Science Family Dentistry at 651-739-1894 today. We look forward to helping you!