By Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS – Newport Dental Arts, Newport Beach, CA

December in Newport Beach is full of festive gatherings, holiday dinners, and sweet seasonal treats. From peppermint lattes to family feasts, this time of year brings joy—but it can also bring challenges for your teeth and gums. Many people unknowingly expose their smiles to foods that wear down enamel, increase sensitivity, or feed cavity-causing bacteria.

At Newport Dental Arts, my goal is to help you enjoy the holiday season while keeping your oral health strong. In this guide, we highlight the foods that support a healthy smile—and the ones to enjoy in moderation—to protect your teeth throughout December and into the New Year.

Holiday Foods That Help Your Smile

While the holidays may seem like an endless parade of sweets, there are plenty of seasonal foods that naturally strengthen teeth, protect enamel, and support healthy gums.

Cheese & Dairy: Natural Enamel Protectors

Cheese plates are common at gatherings—and great for your teeth. Dairy products help neutralize acids in the mouth and provide calcium and phosphorus to strengthen enamel. Even a small piece of cheese after dessert can lower the damage sugar causes.

Turkey: High Protein for Strong Teeth

Turkey is rich in phosphorus, an essential mineral that works with calcium to rebuild and maintain tooth structure. Lean proteins also help your body produce saliva, which naturally protects your mouth from decay.

Leafy Greens: Gum-Supporting Nutrients

Holiday salads with spinach or kale are excellent choices. They deliver vitamins and minerals that strengthen the tissues that support your teeth, helping reduce gum inflammation.

Nuts: Natural Tooth Polishers

Almonds, walnuts, and pecans contain healthy fats and minerals, and their crunch can gently stimulate the gums. Just be careful with very hard nuts if you have dental restorations.

Cranberries (Unsweetened): Bacteria Blockers

Natural cranberries contain compounds called polyphenols that help prevent cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Choose fresh or unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugar.

Holiday Foods That Can Harm Your Smile

A little indulgence is part of the holiday fun—but some foods can accelerate enamel breakdown, increase sensitivity, and raise your risk of decay.

Sticky Sweets Like Caramels & Taffy

Sticky candies cling to teeth long after you’re finished eating them, giving bacteria extended time to create harmful acids. If you enjoy them, rinse with water right after and brush when you can.

Candy Canes & Peppermints

Hard candies dissolve slowly in your mouth, bathing your teeth in sugar for several minutes. They also tempt you to bite down, which can chip teeth or damage crowns.

Sugary Holiday Drinks

Peppermint mochas, spiced lattes, hot chocolate, and eggnog are delicious—but full of sugar. Sipping them slowly over time exposes teeth to repeated acid attacks.

Dried Fruit in Stuffing or Desserts

Raisins, dried cranberries, and candied fruits may seem healthy, but they’re extremely sticky and high in sugar. They adhere to deep grooves in molars and can be difficult to clean off.

Wine & Sparkling Drinks

Both red and white wines are acidic and can erode enamel. Champagne and sparkling cider add the extra impact of carbonation, which lowers pH even further. Enjoy responsibly, and drink water between glasses.

Easy Tips to Protect Your Smile This Holiday Season

Supporting your oral health doesn’t mean skipping holiday treats—it means enjoying them wisely. Here are practical strategies to keep your teeth healthy while savoring the season.

Drink More Water

Hydration is one of the easiest ways to reduce acidity, wash away sugars, and support saliva flow.

Avoid Grazing All Day

Constant snacking keeps your mouth in a prolonged acidic state. Instead, enjoy treats with meals, when saliva is naturally higher.

Keep Sugar to One Sitting

Eating multiple small desserts throughout the day is harder on enamel than enjoying one treat at once.

Limit “Sipping” Drinks

Nursing a sugary beverage for hours repeatedly exposes teeth to sugar. Finish your drink sooner or switch to water.

Use a Travel Toothbrush or Rinse

If you’re out celebrating, keep a small toothbrush in your bag. When brushing isn’t possible, rinsing with water is the next best thing.

Don’t Forget Your Night Guard

If you grind your teeth—especially during holiday stress—wearing your night guard consistently can prevent fractures and sensitivity.

Why a December Dental Visit Is a Smart Idea

Scheduling a visit this month ensures that:

Your smile is healthy heading into the New Year
Small issues don’t progress during the busy season
You start January with a clean, bright smile
You return to balanced routines after holiday indulgences

It’s also a perfect time for whitening, Invisalign® evaluations, and cosmetic upgrades before family photos and events.

At Newport Dental Arts, we offer gentle cleanings, digital X-rays, preventive care, and personalized guidance to keep your smile strong through every season.

The holidays should be full of joy—not dental emergencies. By choosing smile-friendly foods and being mindful of cavity-causers, you can enjoy every celebration while protecting your oral health. If you haven’t had your second cleaning this year or want to start 2026 with a fresh, confident smile, we’re here for you.

Visit Newport Dental Arts in Newport Beach, CA

Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS
Newport Dental Arts | Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Newport Beach, CA
📍 2382 SE Bristol St, Newport Beach, CA 92660
📞 (949) 752-1210
🌐 https://newportdentalartsoc.com/

Holiday Foods That Boost (and Harm) Your Oral Health