Holiday Foods: What’s Good and Bad for Your Teeth

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and, of course, plenty of delicious food! While you’re enjoying festive gatherings with family and friends, it’s important to be mindful of how certain treats can affect your smile. Let’s explore which holiday favorites are kind to your teeth and which ones you might want to enjoy in moderation.

Holiday Foods That Are Bad for Teeth: The Naughty List

When it comes to holiday foods that are bad for teeth, sticky and sugary treats top the list. Candy canes, while festive and fun, are essentially pure sugar in stick form. Sucking on them exposes your teeth to sugar for extended periods, and biting down on hard candy can potentially crack or chip a tooth.

Caramel-based desserts like pecan pie and caramel apples are particularly problematic. These sticky sweets cling to your teeth and get lodged between them, giving harmful bacteria plenty of time to produce enamel-eroding acid. Similarly, dried fruits in holiday fruitcakes may seem healthier, but they’re just as sticky and sugar-concentrated as candy.

The Worst Christmas Foods for Teeth

Among the worst Christmas foods for teeth are:

• Hard candies and peppermint bark – Risk of tooth damage and prolonged sugar exposure
• Fruitcake and sticky toffee pudding – Sugar and texture that adheres to teeth
• Sugary cocktails and eggnog – Liquid sugar that coats your entire mouth
• Citrus fruits in cocktails – Acidic content that weakens enamel
• White bread and crackers – Break down into simple sugars and stick to teeth

Best Foods for Teeth During the Holidays: The Nice List

The good news? Plenty of traditional holiday dishes are actually beneficial for your dental health! The best foods for teeth during the holidays include many items you’re probably already serving.

Cheese platters are excellent choices for your smile. Cheese helps neutralize acid in your mouth and contains calcium and phosphates that strengthen tooth enamel. Raw vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers on your veggie tray act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away food particles while you chew.

Turkey and ham, the stars of most holiday meals, are protein-rich foods that contain phosphorus—an essential mineral for protecting tooth enamel. Nuts, when enjoyed whole rather than candied, stimulate saliva production and provide calcium and protein.

Smart Holiday Eating Habits

You don’t have to skip dessert entirely to protect your smile. Instead, try these strategies:

• Enjoy sweets with meals rather than as standalone snacks
• Drink water throughout your celebrations to rinse away food particles
• Choose dark chocolate over sticky candies when possible
• Wait 30 minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing

Keep Your Smile Bright This Season

If you’re concerned about how holiday indulgences might affect your teeth, our team at Stephen P. Hahn DDS is here to help. Regular general dentistry visits ensure your teeth stay healthy throughout the festive season and beyond.

Remember, moderation is key during the holidays. Enjoying a variety of foods—including some treats—is perfectly fine as long as you maintain good oral hygiene habits. Don’t forget to brush twice daily, floss regularly, and schedule your post-holiday dental checkup.

Have questions about protecting your teeth this holiday season? Call our Henderson, NV, office at (702) 433-9200. Dr. Stephen Hahn and our team wish you a happy, healthy holiday season with plenty of reasons to smile!