Though the holiday season is a time for celebration, many traditional dishes can harm your teeth. Avoiding or minimizing them will make it easier for you and your dentist to get your oral health back on track, so learn which are the worst dishes for your teeth below.

5 Holiday Dishes That Can Harm Your Teeth

1. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but it’s full of sugars and fats that feed cavity-causing bacteria. Plus, it sticks in the crevices of your teeth, which can lead to even more damage.

2. Alcohol

The holidays are known for drinking, but mixed drinks, like eggnog or soda mixers, are high in sugar and fat. Alcohol is also acidic, which weakens and erodes enamel, and contributes to dry mouth. Since saliva has anti-bacterial properties, dry mouth increases plaque accumulation.

3. Gravy

Gravy consists of rich fats that coat your teeth, creating a feast for bacteria. It’s also high in starches that turn to sugars in your mouth.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a holiday dessert that uses lemon juice for flavor, making it acidic. It's also full of sugar and syrups that can get stuck in the teeth. The top layer of baked marshmallows develops a chewy crust over a gooey center that adheres to your teeth and is almost impossible to brush away.

5. Dried Fruit

Fruits like dates, raisins, cranberries, and cherries develop a gummy consistency when dried. They then adhere to teeth. Their sugar content contributes to high bacteria levels as well.

If you overindulge this holiday season, get a dental cleaning from Stephen R. Ho, DDS, in Honolulu, HI, to boost your oral health. With over 30 years of experience, this dentist and his team provides everything from gum disease treatment to fillings and crowns for cavities. Learn more about these services online, and call (808) 949-4288 for an appointment with the dentist.