As the holiday season is upon us and the weather gets chillier, we all start craving warm comfort foods and sweet desserts; hot cocoa, cider, cookies, bundt cakes, the list of wonderful winter foods goes on. However, the holiday season is a time when we have to be especially aware of what we are eating in regards to our teeth. Chewy sweets like caramel and toffee, two popular treats in winter, stick to and in between teeth for a long time which makes your mouth produce more acid, wearing down the enamel on your teeth.
Many people enjoy a glass of wine with their holiday dinners, especially red wine (only if you are of age, of course.) Red wine pairs perfectly with a homemade roast, but wine drinkers also have to be aware of teeth staining caused by chromogens in their favorite vintage. While stains look bad, tannins in red wine dry the mouth out and stick to teeth, making the staining worse.
Hot cocoa is another staple of the holiday season that is best enjoyed in moderation. While dairy is good for your teeth, all the sugar that goes along with the drink doesn’t help. As you drink your cocoa you hold the sugary drink in your mouth waiting for it to cool, which means bathing your teeth in sugar.
As always, any food or beverage is fine in moderation, and proper brushing and flossing will aide in the health and longevity of your smile.