You’ll be pleased to hear that there are some popular Christmas foods that don’t have guilty written all over them and some that can even boost the health of your teeth and gums. Read on to find out more about them.
3 Christmas favourites that are teeth-friendly
Cheese
Let’s get the sciencey bit over and done. Healthy human saliva has a pH level of 7.4 and when acidic foods are consumed, the pH lowers which in turn, creates an imbalance and corrodes your tooth enamel – this happens when the pH level drops below 5.5. Once tooth enamel has corroded the damage is irreversible and your teeth are left susceptible to cavities and oral health problems, so a healthy diet and regular hygienist and dentist appointments are essential in preventing this. When you eat cheese, it stimulates the production of a large amount of saliva which raises the pH level in the mouth and washes away unwanted bacteria and food particles. With this in mind, when it comes to your teeth, you can enjoy your cheeseboards guilt-free!
Turkey
Turkey is one of the healthiest meats out there and it’s a shame it doesn’t make more of an outing at other times of the year. A great friend to your teeth, this Christmas favourite contains high levels of protein which is made up of phosphorus and when this mixes with vitamin D and calcium, it fortifies bones and teeth. Vitamin D also plays a big part in reducing inflammation of the gums, a symptom associated with gum disease.
Post-Christmas check-up for your child
Christmas time is one of the most challenging periods for parents when it comes to looking after their child’s teeth, what with the myriad of chocolate and confectionary at every 45 degree angle! We can book your child in for a post-Christmas check-up appointment to make sure their teeth and gums are in good health after a few weeks of being lax on diet and oral hygiene. Loss of structure and routine over the Christmas holidays can also be difficult for parents to keep on top of their child’s brushing routine. Why not reward your child for each day they brush over the school holidays to instil the importance of routine?
Our practice here in Lewisham is conveniently located to a number of bus routes and only a 10 minute walk from Deptford Bridge and Greenwich DLR stations. Book your check-up with our easy-to-use online booking form – see you in 2019!
Reviewed by Ricky Sardinha
Principal dentist, exclusive practice in orthodontics at SmileUp Dental. GDC 82734. Full profile