5 Ways to Avoid Cavities this Holiday Season

The holidays are here! With the arrival of Christmas parties and other seasonal festivities comes plenty of sweet treats. Unfortunately, with more sugar comes a higher risk of cavities.

Follow these five teeth-friendly tips to counteract cavities, saving yourself and your calendar from unwanted dentist appointments!

What’s the Big Deal?

Chances are, you’ve dealt with a cavity before. But do you know what’s to blame? According to Hopkins Medicine, cavities are caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel. Bacteria in the mouth turns the sugars we consume into acids that break down enamel. If this decay gets through the enamel, a cavity can form.

While brushing twice a day and flossing regularly are essential habits for maintaining healthy teeth, here are a few other simple guidelines to help prevent tooth decay and keep cavities away.

1) Stay Hydrated with Water.

Drinking water throughout the day flushes bacteria from the mouth and prevents acid from building up on the teeth. Fun fact: saliva also helps prevent tooth decay! Drinking water, the main component of saliva, combats a dry mouth and keeps unwanted bacteria at bay.

2) Make a Snack of Cheese and Nuts.

Both cheese and nuts are rich in phosphorous that helps remineralize tooth enamel. The calcium from cheese also strengthens teeth while the crunch of nuts stimulates saliva production and cleans your teeth. Cheese and nuts are also low in sugar and acid, two of the biggest cavity-causing culprits in foods.

3) Avoid Sugary Drinks like Soda and Juices.

As a rule of thumb, drinks that are high in sugar, such as juices and soda, are not teeth-friendly. Some sugary drinks, like orange juice, contain tooth-damaging acids. The sugary residue of soda and juices produces acids in the mouth that wear away at the tooth’s enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to cavities.

4) Include Water-Dense Fruits and Vegetables at Meals

Fruits and vegetables high in water help keep your child's mouth hydrated, increasing saliva production and reducing the likelihood of bacteria sticking to teeth. Additionally, fruits and vegetables with a high-fiber content act as nature’s toothbrush by scrubbing teeth when chewed, removing plaque and bacteria that may have collected.

5) Limit Sugary and Starchy Foods

Foods high in sugars and starches are on the naughty list of cavity-causing foods. Sugary foods, such as cupcakes and candies, increase bacteria growth in the mouth that combines with plaque, accelerating tooth decay. Similarly, starchy foods, such as crackers and pretzels, remain on teeth surfaces for hours, creating a residue that feeds that enamel-eroding bacteria.

By teaching good dental habits and reducing the intake of certain foods, you can protect your teeth and reduce the likelihood of cavities. While these tips encourage good dental hygiene, you should still schedule routine dental cleanings and exams every six months.