The holidays can be tempting, especially if
you are watching your figure, but some of those foods that you are enjoying
because you believe they are better for your waistline, could actually cause
serious problems for your teeth and gums.
Your San Diego Dentist, Dr. David Kitchen, will tell you that dried fruit platter you got from your
co-worker at your annual company Christmas party is a poorer choice than the
box of dark chocolates that your great Aunt Zelma sent you from Austria. In
fact, recent research as shown that dark chocolate is much better for your
teeth and gums than chewy or hard candy, and that dried fruit basket. If you
must indulge, remember to rinse your mouth as soon as possible. Dried apricots,
prunes, figs and pineapple are loaded with sugar and are incredibly sticky
getting caught in-between your teeth and the crevices in your molars.
Eating sugary foods and drinking sodas and
other beverages that are loaded with sugar, like fruit juice, causes the bacteria
that naturally occur in your mouth to turn to acid, and turn your regular check up with your Dentist in La Jolla into a cavity filling session. These by-products can wear
down the enamel making your teeth weak and susceptible to cavities. Worse yet,
these same acids can lead to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Sometimes snacking on sweets at holiday
parties is hard to resist, and now that you understand how bad it is for your
waistline and your teeth and gums, maybe you can resist the temptation and
snack on healthier foods like celery, carrots, apples and other fresh fruits
and veggies. Celery is one of the best snacks to enjoy as it actually acts like
a dental floss of sorts getting rid of debris and food particles while you
chew.
Of course, if you must indulge in your sweet tooth, your 92037 Dentist advises you to remember good oral hygiene. If you can, carry a toothbrush and some
floss with you and head to the restroom every time you snack on something that
could hurt the enamel on your teeth.
Other tips provided by your Dentist in LaJolla include rinsing your mouth after drinking wine or eating highly acidic
foods before you brush your teeth as the acids will begin to erode the enamel
on your teeth.
When it comes to the holidays everyone wants
to enjoy themselves, but not at the cost of a healthy body or a healthy smile.
This year, watch what you eat and drink, and do not forget to schedule a checkup with your La Jolla Dentist, Dr. David Kitchen.