With Thanksgiving and other holidays quickly approaching, people are preparing to indulge in their favorite seasonal foods and drinks. Cranberry sauce is one of those foods that tends to make an appearance on the plates of feasters. Whether you eat it from a can or make it fresh, it’s undeniable that this is a holiday staple. But can cranberry sauce do damage to your smile? Read on to learn how eating cranberries can affect your oral health.
The Positive Benefits of Cranberries on Your Oral Health
Recent research found that plaque on the teeth can be reduced by 95% if you drink cranberry juice. Additionally, drinking cranberry juice decreases the production of sugars in the mouth. The bacteria that cause cavities feed on the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume, so lessening the amount of sugar in your mouth lowers your risk of developing cavities. Cranberries also contain proanthocyanidins, which are chemical compounds that prevent plaque formation.
What About Cranberry Sauce?
Though cranberry juice can help you maintain a healthy beam, cranberry sauce unfortunately has the opposite effect. As delicious as it is, may be delicious, it contains a lot of added sugar. This raises your risk of tooth decay by giving cavity-causing bacteria plenty to feed on.
If you’re craving the tart taste of cranberries, eating fresh ones or drinking cranberry juice is the better option since it exposes your teeth to less sugar. Additionally, if you’re craving some cranberry sauce to eat alongside your Thanksgiving turkey, consider making it yourself. This will allow you to keep track of an control the amount of sugar that goes into it.
Other Ways to Lessen the Impacts of Cranberries on Your Smile
In addition to the above suggestions, there are a few other ways that you can lower your risk of damaging your beam by eating cranberry sauce, such as:
- Practice moderation by only having a small amount of cranberry sauce at meal times
- Brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating to lower your risk of decay
- Drink some water after you eat to wash away excess sugar
Cranberries make an appearance in a big way during the holidays in the form of delicious sauces. As tasty as they are, be sure not to let the deliciousness distract you from your beam. With the above information, you can keep your oral health in good condition during the holidays and beyond!
About the Practice
Kobza Dental takes pride in providing each patient with a customized treatment plan. They strive to make you feel comfortable and well cared for throughout your visit so you can receive the treatments you need to maintain a gorgeous grin. They offer a range of treatment options, such as preventive procedures to keep oral health problems at bay. They can also teach you about what foods, such as sauces made from cranberries and other foods, can help or harm your beam. To schedule an appointment or for more information on their services, visit Kobza Dental’s website or call (402) 245-2243.