Sugary, cavity-inducing treats are a big part of this holiday season, and while we may soon be putting all of those indulgences aside to meet New Year’s resolution goals, you may be feeling the effects of a season of dietary abandon. Doubtless, sugar should be avoided if you’re thinking about your oral and overall health. There are some holiday favorites that have been shown in studies to have compounds with the potential to fight tooth and gum disease, however. One of these consumables is the cranberry. Even if cranberry sauce is most often served on the Thanksgiving or Christmas table to go with turkey, it could also be good for your dental health as well.

The Good News

According to a study at the University of Rochester, cranberries can fight tooth decay. The study was led by Dr. Hyun “Michel” Koo, a dentist turned food scientist and microbiologist. Cranberries have deep properties that can make it impossible for S. mutans (the bacteria that cause tooth decay) to create plaque and stick to teeth. Scientists are working to isolate the compound so that it can be infused into toothpastes, mouthwashes, and sugar-free gums in the future.

The Bad News

Unfortunately, any dark food or drink has the potential to stain your pearly whites. Cranberries might have some properties that are healthy for your teeth, but the amounts needed are not yet known. This is why researchers plan on separating the compound and adding it to oral hygiene products. If you try to load up on cranberry-based foods over the holidays thinking that you’re fighting cavities, you may only be dulling your teeth. Of course, if cranberry juice, coffee, tea, wine, and other dark foods and drinks have stained your teeth, your cosmetic dentist dentist has teeth whitening options available for you.

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Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.