Most people associate Christmas with indulging in a vast variety of rich foods, including quite a bit of sugary ones. Unfortunately, all that sugar has a dramatic impact on your dental health. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) reported that one of the first areas to decline due to a poor diet is your teeth.
Healthy Alternatives
- Cheese – There are several ways to incorporate some cheese into your Christmas dinner. Include a cheese plate with your appetizers or make cheese one of the stars of the show by serving homemade macaroni and cheese with your holiday meal. It is documented in the journal of the American Academy of General Dentistry that eating cheese increases the pH balance in your mouth that lowers your risk of tooth decay. Cheese also contains many nutrients, including protein and calcium that strengthen your enamel.
- Leafy Greens – Trade in the creamed corn for a nice, healthy salad that contains spinach and kale. Leafy greens contain calcium to help you build your enamel, and they are full of other vitamins and nutrients that offer numerous health benefits.
- Carrots and Celery – Place a tray of these raw vegetables on your holiday table, and serve them with cream cheese to make them more palatable. They both do a great job of cleaning your teeth after a meal. Your mouth makes more saliva as you munch on them, which reduces your risk of cavities. They contain antioxidants and vitamins A and C, all of which contribute to healthy gums.
- Nuts – Toss some almonds, cashews, or walnuts on your salad. They are an excellent source of protein, calcium, magnesium, and iron that strengthen your teeth.
- Turkey – Go ahead and enjoy your Christmas turkey. Not only is it lean and healthy, it is also full of phosphorus, which is similar to calcium for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.
- Gingerbread Biscuits – There will be no need to skip dessert with these on the table. While most biscuits are full of sugar and have gluten, which sticks to your teeth, gingerbread biscuits are much lower in sugar while tasting just as sweet.
Follow the suggestions above while enjoying sweets, citrus fruits, and wines in moderation during the holiday season, and your teeth will thank you for it at your next dental checkup.
