March Foods to Watch Out For

Spring is (almost) in the air! That means that March is finally here. Along with March comes all sorts of fun holidays that we are all looking forward to. With nearly every holiday, food is involved. An emergency orthodontist in Newark warns that if you aren’t careful, you could end up dealing with some oral health issues as a result of these March holidays. The good news is that if you know what to shy away from, you can enjoy yourself without having to worry about your smile. Continue reading to learn about a few of the holidays and which foods you should be wary of.

National Pi Day

When you are writing out the date when signing documents, you don’t miss over this day. When it is 3.14, you can’t help but to smile to yourself. In addition to being National Pi Day, you may be adding some of your own pies into the picture to play on the word. Unfortunately, some pies aren’t so great for your smile. The pattern seems to be that the more sugar that is involved, the worse it is for your teeth. When baking this March, try to choose recipes that use other ingredients, like dark chocolate, sweet potatoes, banana, carrots, or yogurt. Stay away from acidic fruits, like lime and lemon, as well.

St. Paddy’s Day

This is the holiday that most of us look forward to when March comes around. Everywhere you look, you see the beautiful emerald color all over the street. You even made an effort to wear the only green shirt that you own. If you decide to go out later in the night with family or friends, you may feel tempted to grab a cheap green beer or two. However, this can cause staining of your smile. You certainly don’t want to be showing up to work with green teeth. If you simply cannot avoid the green beer, make an effort to brush your teeth using a whitening toothpaste before bed. Floss thoroughly as well.

Pancake Tuesday

The day before Ash Wednesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and Pancake Tuesday, is an exciting day that many people look forward to. For celebraters, it is the last day before a time of fasting. Because of this, Fat Tuesday has become known as a day where you enjoy some of your favorite things for the last time before Easter. If you ae opting for a stack of pancakes during this time, be sure that you are going easy on the syrup. It is a good idea to choose a sugar-free or low-sugar option. You could also choose a jam with no added sugar to add some sweetness to your pancakes.

March is an exciting month, but you shouldn’t neglect the health of your smile. By being careful, you can enjoy these fun holidays without the need to spend extra time in the dental chair.

About the Author

Dr. Timothy G. Wigal is an experienced orthodontist who has been working in the field for over a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry before receiving a certificate in orthodontics from the West Virginia University Department of Orthodontics. Currently, he is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and the Six Elements Study Club. For more ways to keep your smile healthy or schedule an appointment at his office in Mt. Vernon, visit his website or call (740) 397-2111.