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November 13, 2021

3 of the Worst Holiday Foods for Young Smiles

Young boy at Thanksgiving dinner tableAfter a long year of practicing social distancing, the holidays will be a little brighter this time around. As you gather with friends and loved ones, your child will experience many seasonal dishes to celebrate the holidays. Although they might love cranberry sauce with a slice of turkey, their smile may not. You don’t want the holidays to leave a lasting mark on your child’s smile. Your pediatric dentist recommends moderating the consumption of 3 of the worst holiday foods for growing smiles.

1. Stuffing

Stuffing is found on many dinner tables. Although it’s a tasty side dish, it contains a lot of sugar that can increase the risk of tooth decay. The primary ingredient in stuffing is bread, which is rich in carbohydrates. Enzymes in the mouth almost instantly convert the starches into sugars, which fuel cavitity-causing bacteria. Encourage your child to fill up on vegetables instead of getting a second serving of stuffing.

2. Candy Canes

Whether hanging from a Christmas tree or taped on a gift, candy canes are everywhere. They are basically pure sugar with a little flavor thrown in. They come in several flavors, making them a sweet treat for people of all ages. Unfortunately, the high sugar content combined with high fructose corn syrup can erode the enamel. Since candy canes aren’t eaten all at once, teeth are bathed in the sugars for a prolonged time. The risk of oral health issues doesn’t decrease if they chew the candy. Hard candies can quickly lead to a broken or fractured tooth. You can avoid a trip to an emergency dentist and satisfy your child’s sweet tooth by encouraging chocolate because it is safer for their teeth because it’s easier to remove.

3. Eggnog

Many people say eggnog is an acquired taste, but children love the holiday treat. Unfortunately, it often has a lot of sugar that can destroy your child’s developing smile. Sugar-free options are great alternatives to prevent tooth decay, so your child can continue to savor their seasonal favorite. They should also drink plenty of water to keep their mouth clean between brushing and flossing.

Encourage a Healthy Holiday Smile

Don’t let the holidays tarnish your child’s beautiful smile. Besides choosing healthy holiday foods, encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Consider an electric toothbrush with a timer to ensure they are brushing for a full 2 minutes. If they are over the age of 6, it’s important they floss their teeth nightly, too.

By keeping all this in mind, they’ll have a healthy, beautiful smile to start the upcoming year.

About Dr. Marie Tremblay

Dr. Tremblay earned her dental degree at the University of Montreal before continuing her training in pediatric dentistry at Tufts University. She has completed post-graduate courses in pediatric services to promote the health and development of young smiles. If it’s time for your child’s preventive cleaning and checkup, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

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