Blog

As you approach the season of goodwill and festive fun, you will also be indulging in lots of delicious holiday foods, no doubt.

Do you ever wonder how much the following sugary treats impact your beautiful smile?

Let’s take a look at the following tasty treats so that you can decide on the ones you would like to steer clear of this year and determine what you are going to make your Christmas naughty but nice secret.

To keep your teeth healthy and strong, and free of any cavities, make sure you drink plenty of water to ensure any sugars are wash away from your teeth enamel, helping to reduce any permanent damage to your teeth. You should also make flossing your best friend and do it frequently whenever you divulge these festive snacks and confectionery treats.

1. Pecan Pie

A little slice of pecan pie may be a delightful treat but beware of the effects of the nuts, which could get stuck in your teeth and gums in addition to that. Your teeth will be fighting damage to protect your tooth enamel after your teeth are being bathed in the high sugar content of syrup and sticky molasses. Make sure you drink plenty of water to flush sugar away from your teeth.

2. Peanut Brittle

This festive treat could cause lots of issues to your teeth. Eating this may see you have to make a quick dash to the dentists, especially if the sticky toffee confection may get stuck on crowns, fillings, and causing all kinds of heavy damage to your teeth.

3. Peppermint Candy Canes

Next on our list of holiday foods that can be bad for your teeth are peppermint candy canes – the confectionary of sugar plum fairies and childhood memories. Sadly they are not very good for your teeth. As these festive treats take a little while to eat, the sugar from the candy cane coats your teeth with a sticky, sugary residue and dye. The bacteria in your mouth combines with the sugar to produce acid, increasing the risk of dental cavities.

4. Dried Fruit

Although you may think that dried fruit may be a healthy substitute for sweets and chocolate, dried fruits such as prunes, apricots, figs, and raisins are incredibly sticky. They get stuck in tiny crevices and dental work, leaving behind a sticky residue on your teeth that eats into the tooth’s enamel over time. You should make sure you brush your teeth after eating these sugary, sticky treats.

5. Mixed Nuts

Even savory holiday foods can cause more harm than good to your dental work. However, they are the healthiest of all of the lovely choices you can see here on this list. Be sure to floss your teeth so that any tiny particles of nuts do not get stuck and trapped, which leads to tooth decay and tooth loss.

6. Popcorn

Fantastic hot buttery popcorn can be an alternative seasonal savory or sweet treat, especially on a cold winter’s day, in front of a roaring fire cuddled up with the ones you love.

Popcorn may cause a double threat. The thin fluffy layer covering the kernel can get stuck between your teeth or between your tooth and the gum.

This gives bacteria the chance to grow on your teeth and in your mouth, causing tooth decay and dental hygiene issues.

7. Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages are usually packed with high sugar content and quite acidic, damaging your teeth, eating into your teeth’ enamel and dentine. Long term consumption of this type of drink can also be harmful to the whole of your body and put you at risk of severe health issues such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), weight gain, and sugar intolerances.

8. Egg Nog or Homemade Punch

You may be drawn to enjoy this festive drink of choice that reminds you of cinnamon and winter snows, that conjures up happy memories of your youth. Egg nog is not as healthy as it contains raw eggs, cream, sugar, alcohol (optionally), and spices; this coats your teeth and erodes your tooth enamel. Look for alternatives. For example, you could drink cranberry juice or mulled apple juice instead.

9. Caramel or Chocolate Covered Caramels

Caramel or chocolate-covered caramels, although a lovely little sugar-filled sweet treat, are best if eaten in moderation; the sticky caramel coats your teeth and eats into any delicate dental work. You should make sure your floss regularly and drink plenty of water.

Conclusion

Sure, you still might indulge in these holiday foods for the sugar rush and feel-good factor. Just remember, the downside is that they can cause severe damage to your teeth, both in the short and long term.

You should make sure to drink plenty of water after you eat these types of food. Better yet, add an extra tooth brushing in your day (one more than your regular dental hygiene schedule and routine), and be sure to floss at least once or twice a day.

By doing this, you will have a better chance of getting rid of any unwanted debris trapped in gaps and stray food that is hiding in crevices and combining with bacteria that can cause dental decay.

Enjoy the odd seasonal treat, but also add some fresh fruit and vegetables that are healthier too. Although you should refrain from eating too much as natural sugars can also cause damage to your teeth.

Visit your dentist, and keep up to date with dental appointments to ensure that your mouth hygiene is maintained and your teeth are looked after and free of decay.

Finally, do not ignore any dental issues. Instead, seek advice, and attend to any problems as soon as they appear to prevent tooth loss and anything more serious.

By maintaining healthy teeth, you ensure that you keep your wonderful smile!

In this time of festivity and hope, you might be forgiven if you slightly indulged in a few festive treats to lift your spirits, but be sure to do so in moderation, of course.