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Make Merry : with Good Nutrition this Christmas

Nov 20, 2017 ● By Bernice Teplitsky DDS, PC

The holiday season is upon us, and everywhere we look, delicious, tempting food surrounds us. However, it’s not just our waistline that could suffer from overindulgence. Hard candies and carbonated beverages aren’t exactly the top items on our teeth’s wish list. Even classic eggnog can do a number on those pearly whites. Luckily, some seasonal treats are actually good for our teeth. If we’re looking for the best snacks this holiday, here are some items to put on the “nice” list.

Nuts

We don’t just mean chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Packed with magnesium and iron, holiday favorites like almonds and walnuts provide the nutrients the body needs. Plus, the extra dose of calcium will help keep teeth strong.

Peppermint

Peppermint candy canes are horrible for our teeth. Biting down on hard candy runs the risk of chipping a tooth, and sucking on them exposes our teeth to the sugar for a lot longer. We don’t have to ditch the minty goodness completely; a little peppermint tea will freshen the breath, help with indigestion and take some stress out of the busy holiday season.

Coconut

From coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk and coconut meat to coconut butter, all sources of coconut are great. Try a whole fruit, sold in most supermarkets, for the freshest coconut water and meat that’s versatile to use in cooking and smoothies. Some great tools are available that make it easier and safer to open fresh coconuts, including the Coco Jack (CocoJack.com and elsewhere online).

While many of our holiday favorites might make the dentist’s “naughty” list, others can help ensure our teeth are shining brightly this holiday season.

 

Wrigleyille Dental is located at 3256 North Ashland Ave., in Chicago. For appointments, call 773-242-8722. Nutrition counselor and hygienist Julie Kingston will conduct a free Nutrition Night event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 11, on healthy holiday habits and weight loss. For more information, visit WrigleyvilleDental.com.