The Naughty and Nice Food and Beverage List

The Naughty and Nice Food and Beverage List

The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is giving you a breakdown on the traditional holiday treats and how you can enjoy all the goodies this magical time has to offer while still caring for your mouth. Prevent tooth rot this December with our helpful list.

Naughty

Candy canes, hard candies and nuts: Sucking on candies leaves sugar lingering in your mouth because they take a long time to dissolve. Biting into candy and some nuts can also chip and break teeth.

Potatoes, stuffing, latkes and crackers: These tasty starches get stuck in teeth and can cause cavities. Flossing after a meal will get to those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and remove any food debris.

Fruit cake, gingerbread and cranberry sauce: They are all high in sugar, especially sticky fruit cake that can remain on and between your teeth for a longer time.

Egg nog: Rich in sugar, it can create a comfy home in your mouth for bacteria to thrive.

Alcohol, pop and juice: Mixed drinks, wine, champagne, pop, juices and ciders have high sugar and acid levels that can erode enamel. Dark beverages, like red wine, can stain your pearly whites.

Nice

Chocolate: Plain chocolate is a less damaging sweet to your teeth because it dissolves quickly.

Cheese: Helps your mouth produce more saliva which washes away excess sugar and acid. Plus, calcium!

Fresh fruits and vegetables: These healthy snacks also help keep your teeth clean.

Water: The perfect sugar- and acid-neutralizing beverage, and great for rinsing your teeth discreetly.

Sugar-free candies and gum: The best friend for your teeth when you want something sweet.

ODA President Dr. LouAnn Visconti says, “You can still make merry while protecting your teeth with these helpful food tips. Stress can also be an issue this time of year which can result in teeth grinding and canker sores. Your dentist can provide you with the treatment and advice you need so that you can enjoy the holidays.”

About the Ontario Dental Association

The ODA has been the voluntary professional association for dentists in Ontario since 1867. Today, we represent more than 9,000, or nine in 10, dentists across the province. The ODA is Ontario’s primary source of information on oral health and the dental profession. We advocate for accessible and sustainable optimal oral health for all Ontarians by working with health-care professionals, governments, the private sector and the public. For more information on this and other helpful dental care tips, visit www.youroralhealth.ca.

Source

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