Our top 5 festive foods to serve this Christmas

For most of us, many celebrations centre around festive food and drinks, making it easy to lose a sense of control over what we’re consuming. And while no one wants to be a total Grinch about the holidays, it can be helpful to enter into the silly season with a goal of moderation in festive eating.

Finding the ‘sweet spot’ in festive foods

For 365 days a year, the same evidence around oral health applies – that sugar is sugar, no matter what form it’s in. Lollies, desserts, fruits, vegetables, sauces, toppings, juices and soft drinks all contain forms of sugar. And no matter how it’s packaged, our body processes sugar in the same way. Whether sugar is in a liquid or solid form, warm, cold, frozen or somewhere in-between, all sugar increases the risk of tooth decay.

Fortunately, there are lots of delicious types of foods which also have protective oral health benefits.  Finding the ‘sweet spot’ between balancing festive treats with nutritious foods is worthwhile and helps us to avoid feeling we’re missing out on all the fun.

Gum health

Most of us are aware of the types of foods which aren’t so good for us and which can lead to tooth decay, but gum health is just as important. When gums are healthy, they work like a collar, forming a firm seal to keep our teeth in their correct position. Gums also provide a barrier against bacteria and food entering into the tissues which surround the teeth. ¹Red, inflamed, bleeding gums are a sign that the gums protective barrier has broken down. Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease and left untreated, can progress to more advanced periodontal disease, causing tooth and bone loss. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your oral health.

5 top tips for festive eating

Remember, not all treats are naughty and it’s important not to feel you’re missing out. ²Some foods are protective and support our oral health, including crisp fruits and raw vegetables which are particularly good at cleaning plaque from teeth and freshening breath.

This festive season, reach for the:

1. Fibre-rich fruit and vegetable platters – these will provide a range of protective nutrients for your teeth and gums.
2. The cheeseboard – cheese helps to neutralize the effects of acidic foods.
3. Other dairy and calcium-rich products – milk or soy-based products help to boost saliva production and remineralise teeth. Leafy greens such as broccoli and kale or even nuts such as almonds and walnuts act as plant sourced calcium to keep teeth strong.
4. Oily fish options – Fish is a powerhouse of vitamin D, which helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
5. Water jug – this will help to keep your saliva at the right consistency to rinse away food particles.

5 tips to care for your teeth over Christmas

Many of us set New Year resolutions to create better versions of ourselves. But why wait until January 1 to develop new oral health habits? Small changes every day can bring significant health benefits. Book an appointment for a dental checkup and try our top tips to care for your teeth over the festive break.

1. Try to cut back on sugar –  evidence continues to prove that many of us are consuming too much of this simple carbohydrate, which as well as affecting our oral health, impacts on our general health.
2. Make time to brush your teeth at least twice each day and floss daily. Brushing and flossing are especially important before going to bed. No matter how tired you are after that party, take an extra five minutes to care for your teeth and gums.
3. Care well for your gums and remember, flossing is as important as brushing your teeth.
4. Avoid biting down on hard foods. Festive foods such as candy canes, lollies, pork crackling and ice are particular hazards at Christmas time. Dentists often see a peak in cracked or broken teeth as a result of hard textures.
5. Don’t use your teeth to open bottles, packets or presents over the Christmas period.

Book an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your dental health.

References

1. What Are The Best Foods For Gum Health? | Colgate®
2. Teeth Healthy Foods List: 9 Best Foods For Your Teeth (orthodonticsaustralia.org.au)