NICOLA Makepeace, dental hygienist at Bupa Dental Care, offers advice on oral-health-friendly choices over the festive season:
1. Minimal mince pies:
They may be a Christmas must-have but their fruit-filled, sugary centres mean they're not teeth-friendly. Dried fruits are high in sugar and have a consistency which tends to stick to the tooth's surface. A couple isn't that bad, but don't eat too many.
2. Choose chocolate over sweets:
Opt for a piece of chocolate over a bag of sweets. Sweets are made up almost entirely of sugar and because of their texture are more likely to get caught in teeth's biting surfaces. Dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate and because of its smooth consistency it won't lodge and linger longer.
3. Watch the prosecco:
A festive favourite, prosecco is high in acid and sugar, like many fizzy drinks. Acid dissolves tooth enamel, causing erosion, sugar can increase the risk of decay. To help prevent damage, drink water between beverages to wash away sugar and acid. Low-carb beers have the highest water content and lowest acidity.
4. Mind the mixers:
Spirits can also cause erosion but your choice of mixer can be even more harmful due to the high sugar and acid content in cola, lemonade, juice and diet sodas, etc. Whisky and coke, and vodka and cranberry juice are among the worst combinations. Pair your spirit with a lighter tonic or sparkling water.
5. Say cheese:
If you're a cheese lover, you'll be glad to know that – when eaten in moderation – cheese can benefit teeth, as it contains high levels of phosphate and calcium, which naturally strengthen teeth and bones.
6. Go nuts:
Not only are nuts full of healthy fats, they're great for cleaning and strengthening your teeth. They can help produce saliva to clean teeth and regulate the mouth's pH. Unsalted nuts are full of calcium too.
7. Nail your dental care routine:
Effective dental care is important all year round but because people consume more sugar and acidic food and drink over Christmas, it's important to pay extra attention to oral hygiene during the festive season.
