The holiday season is a time for celebration, comfort food, and festive treats—but many of the dishes we enjoy this time of year aren’t exactly friendly to our teeth. While you don’t need to avoid these foods entirely, being mindful about how often and how you enjoy them can help prevent unexpected dental issues.
Here are some popular holiday foods that can harm your smile, along with tips to enjoy the season without putting your oral health at risk.
Sticky Sweets and Candies
Caramels, toffees, gumdrops, and other sticky candies are common during the holidays. Unfortunately, these treats cling to your teeth long after you’re done eating, giving cavity-causing bacteria plenty of time to feed on sugar. This increases the risk of decay and can even loosen existing dental work like fillings.
If you do indulge, rinse with water afterward and brush your teeth as soon as you’re able.
Hard Candies and Peppermints
Candy canes and peppermint drops are classic holiday staples—but they can also be tough on your teeth. Hard candies dissolve slowly, bathing your teeth in sugar for an extended period. Biting down on them too quickly can also lead to chipped or cracked enamel.
Enjoy these treats carefully, letting them dissolve naturally instead of biting or chewing them.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Cranberry sauce, sparkling beverages, wine, and citrus-based dishes are all popular during the holidays, but their acidity can soften enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to wear. Consuming acidic foods too frequently may lead to sensitivity or enamel erosion over time.
It helps to drink water between acidic items and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel.
Starchy Holiday Favorites
Stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, and other starchy sides break down into sugars that cling to your teeth. Since these foods don’t always feel sweet, it’s easy to forget their cavity-causing potential. When starches linger in your mouth, they create a perfect environment for plaque buildup.
Pair these foods with protein or fiber-rich items and sip water throughout your meal to help clear away residue.
Chewy Meats and Tough Foods
Certain holiday meats, like glazed ham or roasted turkey, can be stringy or tough to chew, getting stuck between teeth and sometimes causing discomfort. Likewise, nuts and crunchy appetizers can crack enamel or dental restorations if you bite down too forcefully.
Be mindful when eating hard or chewy foods, and use floss after meals to remove trapped particles.
How to Protect Your Smile This Holiday Season
You don’t have to skip your favorite seasonal dishes, but moderation and mindful habits can go a long way. Drinking plenty of water, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and sticking to routine dental checkups are some of the best ways to prevent holiday-related dental problems.
A little caution helps ensure your celebrations stay merry and your teeth stay healthy.
About the Practice
At Palm Dentistry, Dr. Sienna Palmer ensures patients receive compassionate preventive care designed to support long-term oral health. We help families make informed choices and maintain healthy smiles throughout every season. To learn more about preventive dentistry services, come visit us.
Call us at (949) 365-0951 or request an appointment online.