The holiday season is full of sweet treats, from candy canes to chocolate truffles. Whether it’s at parties, family gatherings, or tucked into stockings, holiday candy is everywhere. While these sugary goodies are hard to resist, they can be tough on your teeth if you’re not careful.
At Advanced Dental Associates, we want you to enjoy your favorite holiday treats without worrying about cavities. The key is making smart choices and keeping up with good oral hygiene.
How Sugar Causes Cavities
Cavities happen when the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid. This acid attacks the enamel and can lead to tooth decay. The more sugar you eat, the longer it stays on your teeth and the higher your risk of cavities is.
Some holiday candies are especially bad for your teeth. Sticky treats like toffees and caramels cling to your teeth, giving bacteria plenty of sugar to feast on. Hard candies like candy canes dissolve slowly, which means your teeth are exposed to sugar for a longer time. You can enjoy them in a way that’s better for your smile by understanding how these candies affect your teeth.
Choose Your Candy Wisely
Not all candy is created equal when it comes to your dental health. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is a better choice than sticky or hard candies. It melts quickly in your mouth and doesn’t stick to your teeth as much. Plus, dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate and even contains antioxidants that are good for your health.
Try to resist the urge to bite into hard candies if those are your favorite. Biting hard candies can crack or chip your teeth, which can lead to bigger dental problems. Instead, let them dissolve slowly in your mouth and rinse with water afterward to wash away the sugar.
When You Eat Candy Matters
When you eat candy is just as important as what kind you choose. Eating sugary treats with meals or right after is better for your teeth than snacking on them throughout the day. That’s because your mouth produces more saliva during meals, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
If you do snack on candy, try to follow it up with a glass of water or a piece of sugar-free gum. Water helps rinse away sugar and chewing gum stimulates saliva production.
Stick to a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
The best way to protect your teeth during the holidays is to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to floss daily to remove sugar and food particles from between your teeth.
Try to brush your teeth afterward if you’ve been indulging in holiday candy. If brushing isn’t an option, rinsing your mouth with water can help remove sugar and reduce the risk of cavities.
Extra Tips for a Healthy Holiday Smile
Here are a few more ways to enjoy holiday candy without harming your teeth:
- Moderation is Key: You don’t have to give up candy entirely—just enjoy it in moderation.
- Choose Nuts or Cheese: Pair your candy with nuts or cheese, which can help neutralize acids in your mouth.
- Avoid Sugary Drinks: Soda, eggnog, and other sugary drinks can be just as bad for your teeth as candy. Stick to water or milk instead.
- Use a Straw: If you do have a sugary drink, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
The holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy yourself, and that includes indulging in your favorite treats. By making smart choices and taking care of your teeth, you can enjoy holiday candy without worrying about cavities.
Schedule a Post-Holiday Dental Visit
The holidays are a busy time, but it’s important to make time for your dental health. Scheduling a checkup after the holidays can help catch any potential problems early and keep your smile healthy. At Advanced Dental Associates, we’ll clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar that can build up from all those holiday treats.
Regular dental visits are also a great time to talk to your dentist about any concerns you have. If you have any questions or need to schedule a checkup, don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Dental Associates. We’re here to help you keep your smile healthy all year long!