How to Navigate the Food Table at Winter Parties

Tuesday - September 20th, 2016

With all the holiday parties happening this season, it’s hard to miss the inevitable food table. While some party table regulars are great picks, others should be avoided for the sake of you and your teeth. Here’s the best game plan for your next party:

Skip over snacks and candies.

Snacks: Salty snack foods like chips, crackers and pretzels can harm your mouth because particles of these foods can easily get stuck between teeth. Then, when the carbohydrates they contain convert to sugar, they can erode the enamel on your teeth.

Candies: Your dentist begs you to please stay away from hard candies. They’re one of the worst offenders because they typically stay in your mouth longer, which gives the sugar extra time to wreak havoc on enamel. Also, the sugar in these types of candies can stick to teeth and cause decay.

Pick up healthy fruits and veggies.

Fruits: They may not shout party food to you, but fruits like apples and pears have a big payoff for your teeth. They can clear away plaque and bacteria, and as a bonus they’re full of healthy fiber for you.

Raw veggies: Head to the veggie platter and stock up on carrots and celery. They’re great because they stimulate saliva flow a natural defense against cavities and gum disease. Plus, they contain beta-carotene, which your body needs to make vitamin A an essential nutrient for building strong teeth.

With a few navigating skills, it won’t be hard to keep your teeth healthy and happy at the next holiday party.

Sources:

Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
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