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Realistically, it takes work to avoid specific foods during the holidays. Food becomes one of the many ways to bond over old memories as your family gathers to create new memories. However, the relationship between food and your dental health requires balance.

There are foods that you should limit or avoid to prevent unwanted oral infections that can lead to severe health risks. Read on to find out about the foods you should not eat during these holidays.

Sweets and Other Sugary Foods

If you have a sweet tooth, the festive season can be your weakness. Treats like cookies and sweets are delicious but can wreak havoc on your gums and teeth. They lead to bacteria buildup and can stay in your mouth longer, making it difficult for your saliva to wash away any sugar.

The longer the sugar stays in your mouth, the higher the chances of bacteria buildup. This can lead to gum infections and tooth decay. If you can’t avoid sugary foods and beverages, remember to drink lots of water and reduce your intake.

Coffee and Tea

Most people are aware of the addictive effects of caffeine. Yet, a coffee or tea to kickstart your day always seems like a good idea. However, drinking more than a cup could expose your teeth to dental risks like staining them.

Additionally, enjoying sugar in your coffee or tea can damage your gums and teeth in the long run. If you need more than a cup to keep your energy levels high this holiday season, balance your intake with plenty of water. Consuming water can help reduce the staining of your teeth and wash away bacteria buildup.

Citrus Fruits and Juices

While citrus fruits remain essential to a nutritious diet, you should remember that they contain acid. Drinking or eating more than the recommended amount can damage your enamel. The more your teeth enamel erodes, the higher the chances of being vulnerable to bacteria and cavities.

The best way to ensure your teeth’ health while getting your dose of vitamin C is to limit your intake. Another essential thing to remember is to reduce the acid from touching your teeth by using a straw. Lastly, wait at least half an hour after consuming acidic foods or beverages before brushing your teeth.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are considered a convenient and healthy snack. However, some healthy food choices can negatively affect oral health. For instance, dried fruits usually contain high concentrations of sugar.

This is one of the main factors that contributes to tooth decay. It also has a gummy-like consistency that causes the fruits to stay longer in your mouth, making it difficult to maintain the bacteria buildup in your teeth. It’s crucial to remember that moderation is vital for protecting your teeth from potential infections.

Ice

Warmer temperatures are apparent during this time of the year. Keeping frozen water and ice lollies is a great way to stay refreshed while keeping the heat at bay. It’s necessary to remember that ice can cause significant impairment to your teeth.

If you chew on ice, you can damage the enamel of your teeth. The worst-case scenario is a dental emergency if you accidentally break or chip your tooth. Chewing on hard substances like ice should be something you avoid to prevent dental risks.

Wine

Did you know that red and white wine contains acid that can soften your teeth’ enamel over time? The more you drink wine, the more you increase exposure to this erosive acid. When your teeth become vulnerable to decay, it can lead to potentially devastating oral conditions like gum disease.

Another thing to note about red wine is that it contains higher tannins that can cling to your teeth and lead to dry mouth and teeth stains. It’s advisable to drink plenty of water in conjunction with your wine and brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after a nightcap. Doing this can reduce plaque buildup and prevent tannins from clinging onto your teeth.

In conclusion, the holidays make it challenging to keep up with what you shouldn’t eat. It’s common to eat as much as you want to. Yet, it’s easy to impact your dental health if you’re not mindful of what you consume.

A visit to your dentist using your Affinity Dental plan can help reduce oral health risks that specific food groups can expose you to. Remember to take care of your dental hygiene, especially during the holidays.