The Best and Worst Christmas Food & Drink For Your Smile
Posted on 19th December 2020 at 17:50
Christmas Day is almost upon us and it’s safe to say it’s going to be a very different Christmas for many of us. We hope all our patients have a lovely day this 25th December. With Christmas Day comes a veritable feast of everything from turkey, mince pies and mulled wine, to gingerbread, nuts and cheese! Here are some examples of the best and worst Christmas sustenance when it comes to your smile!
Turkey: Best
It’s such a shame turkey doesn’t get more good publicity all year round, as it’s extremely good for you! Turkey contains nutrients such as phosphorus, which like calcium, promotes healthy and strong teeth. It’s also an easy food to chew down (compared to beef or lamb which get stuck in your teeth) for those who may have dentures.
Prosecco: Worst
A bit of bubbly on Christmas Day is just the thing to get the day live and kicking! But beware of drinking too much Prosecco, as it can have drastic consequences for your smile. Like other wines, Prosecco has a low pH level, which means the acidity is damaging to your tooth enamel and dentine. The sugar content in Prosecco is also extremely high, which will feed the harmful bacteria in your mouth and render you susceptible to decay. Make sure you drink plenty of water if you’re having a couple of glasses this Christmas Day!
Nuts: Best
What’s Christmas without a nutcracker and a few nuts to crack beside the fire?! Whilst it’s true that nuts are high in fat, they’re actually great for keeping your teeth strong, thanks to vitamins and nutrients like iron, calcium and magnesium. Nuts also stimulate saliva production and consequently, this washes away bacteria from the mouth. If you’re wearing a brace this Christmas you might want to avoid the nuts, as they are prone to getting stuck and compromising your oral hygiene.
If you’re thinking of getting braces but would like an option that allows you the freedom to eat as normal, why not consider Invisalign clear alingers?
Toffee: Worst
This is one of the biggest no-nos when it comes to bad sugar-based foods for your smile. Toffee is tenacious and tends to (literally!) stick around in between your teeth, which overtime can cause tooth decay and erosion. What’s more, it can destroy dental work like fillings, crowns and veneers – far from ideal on Christmas Day!
Cheese: Best
It’s widely known that cheese is a good friend to teeth, containing calcium which will fortify your tooth enamel. But the most remarkable thing about cheese is its ability raise the pH level in the mouth, putting you at lower risk of developing cavities. So make room for a cheese course after your Christmas dinner!
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