{"id":57,"date":"2019-12-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/westmaitlanddentistry.com\/seven-dental-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday-season\/"},"modified":"2019-12-10T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-12-10T00:00:00","slug":"seven-dental-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westmaitlanddentistry.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/10\/seven-dental-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven Dental Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of the year again where our hearts and waistlines seem to grow.\u00a0 This year I wanted to share some holiday healthy dental tips and recipe ideas that will not only leave your mouths satisfied but will leave them healthy as well!<\/p>\n

Tip One:<\/em> Substitute Out the Sugar<\/strong><\/p>\n

Holiday desserts are notorious for being loaded in sugar.\u00a0 I recommend\u00a0substituting out the sugar in your recipe for a naturally sweet substitute such as unsweetened applesauce, honey, agave, stevia or natural maple syrup. \u00a0Stevia is one of my favorite sweeteners, it is derived from a naturally sweet plant and comes in a powder form similar to sugar. \u00a0When substituting sugar out of a recipe either read the back of the package or look up the ratio.<\/p>\n

Tip Two<\/em>: Find the Fruit<\/strong><\/p>\n

A simple way to skip the sugar but still get your sweet tooth satisfying dessert is by roasting fruit. \u00a0Roasting and baking causes the fruit\u2019s sugars to caramelize which brings out its natural sweetness.\u00a0 Great seasonal fruits to try out are pears, apples and plums.\u00a0 For an extra seasonal warmth sprinkle on some nutmeg and cinnamon before roasting or top them with crushed pecans or walnuts.<\/p>\n

Tip Three:<\/em> Watch What You Drink<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard to think of a healthy holiday in combination with drinking alcohol, especially when often celebrating we tend to indulge in a cocktail or two.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to forget that alcohol is notorious for hidden sugars.\u00a0 That doesn\u2019t mean you have to completely avoid it but making a few smart choices can help reduce the amount of sugar you take in.<\/p>\n

Wine<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

When it comes to wines dry wines will have the least amount of sugars ranging from 0.5 g for a dry red and 1.5 g for a dry white while sweet whites can have 14.75 g per glass.\u00a0 So try to avoid those sweet, fruity wines and stick to the dry varieties to cut down on your sugar intake over the holidays!<\/p>\n

Alcohol<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Most hard liquor itself does not contain sugar and are great options. \u00a0The problem isn\u2019t the alcohol itself but the sweet and sugary mixers it is usually paired with.\u00a0Nix the sweet juices and substitute club soda with your favorite cut fresh fruit instead.<\/p>\n

Remember though that any alcohol will dry your mouth out and can lead to more risk of cavities so try to limit your intake and be sure to drink plenty of water.<\/p>\n

Tip Four: <\/em>Make Water Your Best Friend<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speaking of water, water is always a safe bet when it comes to a beverage choice.\u00a0 If you are drinking cocktails or eating sugary treats try to sip water in-between to\u00a0help rinse off the sugars, keep you hydrated, and to help keep the pH of your mouth at a healthy level.<\/p>\n

Tip Five<\/em>: Not All Treats are Made the Same<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some sugary treats are more damaging to your teeth than others. \u00a0Avoid those treats that are chewy\u00a0or\u00a0crunchy ones.<\/p>\n

Chewy<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Chewy, sticky treats like caramels tend to stay stuck in the fine grooves of your teeth and are difficult to brush out.\u00a0 If you must indulge find a healthy alternative like sugar free caramels.<\/p>\n

Crunchy<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Crunchy treats are common this time of the year. \u00a0Desserts, such as peanut brittle, can break your teeth or dental work and can do permanent damage. \u00a0Try to steer clear of these treats to keep your teeth healthy and strong!<\/p>\n

Tip Six:<\/em> Fill Up on the Good Stuff<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pregame with healthy alternatives.\u00a0 Try to fill up on healthy options from the cheese plate and veggie platter while drinking lots of water. \u00a0This will not only curb your appetite but can help you to say no to those sugary temptations.<\/p>\n

Tip Seven:<\/em> Brush and Floss<\/strong><\/p>\n

With holiday travels and parties coming up it\u2019s easy to get out of your regular routine. \u00a0Make sure though you take the time to daily brush at least twice and floss at least once. If you need a refresher on good oral hygiene refer to this blog<\/a> I posted on tips on keeping your mouth healthy. Following a good oral hygiene routine during this busy season will help make sure you have a healthy holiday and will ease your stress when it\u2019s time for you dental check up!<\/p>\n

Try out these tips and trust us your mouths and waistlines will be thanking you!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of the year again where our hearts and waistlines seem to grow.\u00a0 This year I wanted to share some holiday healthy dental tips and recipe ideas that will not only leave your mouths satisfied but will leave them healthy as well! 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