March Madness: Protect Your Smile By Avoiding These Foods

Now that March has arrived, you may be gearing up for spring cleaning, longer hours of daylight, and slightly warmer temperatures. But this month also brings multiple holidays that are full of fun, festive activities. Unfortunately, with these come harmful foods that can put your smile at risk. If you want to avoid dental decay and a visit to your emergency dentist’s office, just say no to the following treats.

What Holidays Occur in March?

Throughout the month of March, you may be preparing to celebrate these holidays:

• Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday
• National PI Day
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Pecan/Waffle Day
• Peanut Butter Lovers Day

From sugary waffles and King Cake to delectable pies and green-colored sweets, there are endless options readily available and waiting to wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.

Which Foods Should You Limit or Avoid?

You can enjoy the following options, but you need to stay on top of your oral hygiene and avoid overindulging to avoid cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Some foods you should consider limiting or avoiding this month include:

• Peanut Butter – It is sticky and hard to remove once it has adhered to your teeth. It also contains a lot of sugar, which bacteria can feed on.
• Pie (Any Kind) – Whether it’s chocolate, berry, key lime, or lemon meringue, pie is never considered a “healthy” option. You may enjoy celebrating PI Day with your own slice, but instead of reaching for those high in sugar or those containing acidic fruits, opt for ones made with dark chocolate, yogurt, sweet potato, or banana.
• Green Goodies – St. Patrick’s Day invites those celebrating to enjoy green beer, green eggs, green ice cream, and even green-colored pastries. While you may find these colorful creations funny and enjoyable to consume, your smile might not. Green food coloring may not be easy to remove, which can be a problem when you go to work or school the next day.
• Sugary Breakfast Foods – When celebrating Pecan/Waffle Day, you may be tempted to fill your breakfast bar with different varieties you and your family can enjoy. The truth is that while they may be less harmful on their own, the second you pour syrup on them, you’re putting your teeth at risk. Instead, opt for sugar-free jams to satisfy your sweet tooth.

In addition to limiting your intake, make sure you brush, floss, and rinse before and after meal times. You are also welcome to schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, even after the holidays.

About the Author
Dr. Saeed Rouhani is an emergency dentist who provides safe, timely solutions to patients experiencing tooth pain or unexpected injuries. When holiday foods leave smiles uncomfortable or damaged, our team at Dental Attraction can offer same-day treatment to quickly restore aesthetics, use, and overall health. Want to safeguard your pearly whites while celebrating this month’s multiple holidays? Check out our website or call (972) 733-0999 to schedule an appointment today.