Best & Worst Holiday Treats for Teeth

The holidays are here and it is a special time to celebrate and enjoy the company of our friends and family. Many celebrate by exchanging gifts, and decorating their homes, among other traditions. Surely, one of the highlights of the holiday season is the food and treats.

We all love a good holiday treat and share it with those who are close to our hearts, but it is important to be mindful of what kind of impact these treats can have on your oral health.

Here we share some of the best and the worst holiday treats for your teeth.

The Worst

While these treats can be delicious, they can also be bad for your teeth. The following are some of the worst holiday treats for your oral health.

Hard Candy

Hard candy, like candy canes, peppermints, and cinnamon discs, is made of sugar and corn syrup, which is heated and mixed until it forms a solid, yet malleable, substance.

These treats, although delicious, can be particularly harmful to your teeth; when consuming these types of sweets they can get stuck in your teeth and you’ll expose them to sugar for a long period.

When you bite down on hard candy, the pressure used can cause your teeth to chip or fracture. This can be especially dangerous if the candy is large or if you have weakened teeth.

It is important to be cautious when consuming hard candy and to avoid biting down on it whenever possible. Instead, allow the candy to dissolve in your mouth, which can help to prevent harsher tooth damage.

Caramels

Caramels are a type of candy made from sugar, butter, milk, or cream. Although they are a holiday favorite, they can also be harmful to your teeth if eaten in excess.

They are high in sugar which can cause tooth decay if it is not removed from teeth when brushing and flossing. In addition, caramels are often sticky, which means they can stick to your teeth and increase the amount of time that sugar is in contact with them. This long exposure to sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay.

To minimize the potential harm to your teeth from eating caramels, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly.

Wine

Wine is another treat people love to share with each other during the holiday season, but unfortunately, this popular drink has high acid content, which can damage teeth.

When the acid in wine comes in contact with teeth, it can erode the enamel, which is the outer covering of a tooth. When the enamel is damaged, the inner layers of the tooth are exposed, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and other dental problems.

Some tips to prevent harm from drinking wine this holiday season are:

• Drink water after having some wine: Water neutralizes the acid in wine and washes it away. Rinsing your mouth is even better.
• Do not brush your teeth right away: It is important to keep good oral hygiene, but it is recommended to wait a bit after having a glass of wine before brushing your teeth. If you brush right away you might spread the acid and expose your entire mouth to the damaging effects.

The Best

Not every holiday treat has a negative effect on your teeth. There are plenty of tasty treats that you can enjoy during the holiday season without worrying about the negative effects they might have. Some examples of healthier holiday treats include:

Dark Chocolate

If you’re a chocolate lover, we have good news for you! Dark chocolate can be a safe choice when having a little treat during the festivities.

Dark chocolate has less sugar and higher cocoa content as it is made from cocoa bean, which is packed with antioxidants and other healthy compounds.

It has been shown that the antioxidants found in dark chocolate can help protect teeth from damage caused by bacteria and other harmful substances.

This treat is also a good source of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, which can limit oral bacteria.

While dark chocolate can be a safe treat to enjoy during the holidays, it is still important to consume it in moderation. Although in a lower quantity, it still contains sugar.

Gingerbread

Gingerbread treats can be a teeth-friendly option to enjoy this season.

Holiday snacks made of gingerbread, such as cookies, tend to not contain as much sugar as other cookies and pastries. This characteristic makes them a healthier alternative when you feel like having a tasty treat while enjoying the company of your loved ones and you can even have a fun time decorating some gingerbread cookies!

Cheese

Almost no one can resist the temptation of a cheese platter during the holiday season. Fortunately, you can enjoy this tasty treat with no worries.

Cheese is rich in calcium and protein, which can help to strengthen tooth enamel. It also contains lactic acid, which can help to reduce the pH in the mouth, making it less favorable for bacteria to grow and cause tooth decay.

In addition, cheese can stimulate the production of saliva, which can help to neutralize harmful acids in the mouth and wash away food particles. Finally, cheese is a low-sugar food, which can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Take Care of Your Teeth with the Help of Sani Dental Group

This season is full of amazing moments and amazing food, but it is important to not forget to take care of your oral health. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, and watch out for what you eat during the festivities.

If you have any concerns about your dental health or want to start the New Year with a brand new smile, do not hesitate to get the best dental Mexico at Sani Dental Group.

You can schedule an appointment at any Sani Dental Group locations by giving us a call at (928) 257-1307 or booking your visit online.