5 Holiday Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth

For some of us, taking that annual family picture to send out in greeting cards can be quite the challenge! But it's worth all the effort once you finally get the shot of everyone smiling from ear to ear

Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a prime time for cavities to wreck those beautiful smiles. Try to limit the sugary and doughy foods your family loves if you want them to avoid getting cavities.

Did you know that you could also reinforce your teeth against cavities by choosing the right food options?

Here are the eats your family should reach for to help them fight tooth decay this holiday season.

1. Apples Or Crunchy Veggies And Dip

High-fiber, low-sugar, and crunchy fresh foods are probably the best items for your teeth any time of the year.

A firm texture helps naturally cleanse your teeth of plaque when you chew. It's okay also okay to enjoy some peanut butter on your apple or ranch with your carrots.

2. Black or Green Tea

Did you know that black tea can help reduce compounds that cause bad breath? And green tea can promote healthy gums. Either kind of tea may be a good source of fluoride depending on how it's prepared.

Try to cut back a bit on the peppermint mochas this season in favor of a simple tea.

3. Cheddar Cheese Slices

No snack is quite as satisfying as slices of sharp cheddar on a whole-wheat cracker!

It's also a very tooth-friendly snack.

Whole wheat products contain high levels of fiber, which keeps your mouth clean. But the star of the show is none other than the Big Cheese. A sharp, zingy cheese like cheddar stimulates saliva flow which is important to a healthy mouth.

Cheese also contains compounds that promote healthy bacteria levels and lots of calcium for strengthening enamel.

4. Almond-Studded Desserts

Where possible, choose fresh, whole almonds as a snack. Once coated in sugar or roasted in salt, this power food loses some of its benefit. Almonds are a great source of calcium and protein which strengthen your teeth and gums. Their hardy texture also makes them excellent natural tooth-cleaners.

5. Dark Chocolate Bark

That's right, keep chocolate at the top of your shopping list this season!

While munching on a chocolate bar is absolutely no substitute for brushing your teeth, some research suggests cocoa contains stuff that's good for your smile.

Chocolate contains:

• Tannins
• Antioxidants
• Polyphenols

These elements can play a role in reducing gum inflammation, preventing bacteria from sticking to your teeth, and limiting acid production.

To get any benefit from your chocolate, however, make sure it's at least 70% cocoa because that's where the nutrient-rich cocoa solids are found. Sugary milk chocolate won't do you much good!

Interested in more ideas for healthy holiday meals?

Contact your smile health experts right here in Houston. Summit Dental Center has all you need to make your family's holiday season a safe and smile-filled one!