The irresistible aroma of decadent holiday treats is one special thing people associate with the most wonderful time of the year. However, the sugary components in your favorite candies and desserts warrant caution from the dental care pros at Lowitz & Meier. The leading dentist office in the Greater Cincinnati area lists some harmful holiday food and alternative options you should choose instead.

Top 5 Harmful Holiday Foods Dental Care Experts Warn About

1. Caramel Treats

The gooey, silky texture of caramel is enough to tempt anyone with a sweet tooth. But this incredibly sweet item on your holiday menu can be detrimental to your dental health due to its high sugar content. A healthier way to satisfy your sweet cravings is to eat seasonal fruit, like pears and clementines, instead.

2. Eggnog

Although you may consider your holiday tradition incomplete without eggnog, this richly sweet beverage can take a toll on your teeth. Instead, Cincinnati’s top dental care practice recommends opting for natural fruit smoothies and sprinkling them with cinnamon for a classic holiday touch.

3. Cookies

As artistic and delicious as Christmas cookies are, they can do serious harm to your gums and teeth. The sugar and icing in these cookies can stick to your teeth and is hard to remove, even with regular brushing. A granola bar is a better alternative, offering a crunchy texture and natural sweetness of dried fruit with every bite.

4. Candies

Candy canes have always been a classic part of the holidays, but these popular goodies have a negative impact on your oral health. A much healthier and nutritionally dense alternative to the syrupy candy components is dried fruit, like figs and raisins.

5. Cakes

Nothing says Christmas, and gum disease, like an indulgent holiday-spiced fruit cake. If you do want to bake something holiday-inspired, Lowitz & Meier recommends cutting back on the amount of sugar. You can enjoy a rich, cake-like texture with a low-sugar banana or pumpkin bread.

These food suggestions from Lowitz & Meier will prove to be another step towards ensuring proper dental care. If you have any further queries related to your oral health, call the family dentistry at (513) 521-8900. You can also visit their website to check out the wide variety of services and procedures this dentist office offers.