Maintain a Healthy Smile During the Holidays

Keeping up with your oral health during the holiday season can be tricky. Eating the best food for your body, teeth and gum health is very important. Through the hustle and bustle of family gatherings and many treats to be had, here are five foods good for your teeth and oral health as a whole. 

The Nice List: Dentist-Approved Holiday Foods

Planning a Pinterest-inspired charcuterie board? Sorting through spices to make your famous Thanksgiving dish? Not only are these foods easy on the teeth, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds – or even thirds.

Cheese

Luckily for us big fans, cheese is a great source of calcium and phosphate. Calcium helps strengthen your tooth enamel, which prevents cavities, and phosphate balances the pH levels in your mouth, killing harmful bacteria. Charcuterie boards make a great appetizer to serve during your holiday gatherings, keeping fresh cheese on the menu.

Veggies

Crunchy vegetables are a great source of healthy minerals and vitamins, as we all know – but did you know they also help clean the surface of your teeth? When you eat fresh, crunchy veggies such as carrots and celery, the act of chewing clears build-up on the surface. Carrots are especially good for fighting cavities and acting as nature’s toothbrush. They contain keratin, which assists in attacking harmful plaque. Vegetable dip trays are a reliable way to ensure carrots and celery find their way to everyone’s plate.

Cranberries

Cranberries are very high in polyphenols, which are great at fighting tooth decay and gum disease. You don’t want to eat them too regularly, as they can be high in sugar and may stain teeth over time, but with proper dental care, they are a great tooth-friendly treat! Cranberry sauce is a perfect addition to your turkey feast.

Nuts

Nuts provide a lot of different benefits for your teeth! With pros ranging from calcium and vitamin E to phosphorus and zinc, a variety of nuts can help maintain your oral health. Different nuts contain different nutrients, so make sure to try a variety! Cashews contain anacardic acid, which kills harmful bacteria and can prevent tooth decay, while peanuts have a lot of protein to help form the connective tissue that your teeth need for support. Set out a bowl of nuts as a go-to treat, but be careful not to break your teeth!

Water

Is it any surprise that water is a huge contributor to a healthy smile and body? Drinking fluoridated water is a great way to fight cavity-causing bacteria. Drinking a small swig of water between sips of sugary beverages and bites of food can help prevent harmful particles from sticking to your teeth for long periods of time and stimulate a healthy saliva level. Make sure water is easily accessible to you at all times!

Moderation Is Key

With any food or drink, moderation is essential to finding a healthy balance between nutrients and flavor. Eating too much healthful food has just as many consequences as eating too little. Remember to have a variety of healthful foods on your plate this year. Don’t forget: Drinking a glass of water before any meal is a great way to kickstart the system and keep your smile looking sharp!

’Tis The Season For Healthy Smiles

With all the craziness the holiday seasons bring, it’s important to not forget about your own health. Finding ways to incorporate healthy habits while also checking things off your list is the best way to ensure a healthy smile! Speaking of healthy habits, if you’re in need of a dental cleaning, you should also make sure to visit Springfield Dental Group for your routine cleaning and check-up before the year ends. Schedule your appointment today!