Holiday Healthy Teeth Tips

Date: 10/02/26

The holidays are around the corner and that may mean gatherings, large meals, and sweets to celebrate. But enjoying seasonal treats does not mean you have to ruin your dental health. The holidays are a great time of year to start thinking about healthier habits.

Below are tips for cavity-free holidays from the American Dental Association (ADA®):

• Be picky if it's sticky. Many dried fruits are sticky, and sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating a lot of dried fruits such as cranberries, make sure to rinse with water and brush carefully.
• Take it easy on the hard candies. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they can also cause broken or chipped teeth. Be careful not to hurt your teeth when eating these harder treats.
• Watch out for starchy foods. These are sneaky because they often get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to eat chips and cakes, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.
• Still have fun with what you eat. If you have a snack, make it a nutritious choice like cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. Make lean protein choices, eat whole grains and choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods.
• Be aware of timing when you eat. It helps to eat sweets and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva flows more during a meal to wash away sugars and acids. These options are helpful for your overall health and the health of your teeth.

Check out this Halloween survival guide with 7 tips for a mouth-healthy Halloween.