How These 4 Popular Holiday Foods Affect Your Teeth

The months between Halloween and New Year’s Eve are filled with delectable treats that only come around this time of year. Ooey-gooey pies, sugary-sweet candy canes, perfectly spiced gingerbread cookies, and smooth peppermint bark are just a few holiday foods that make the list. However, it’s no secret that these favorites are much better for your tastebuds than they are for your teeth. So, make sure to enjoy the below staples in moderation this year!

Candy Canes

Whether you love trying the new, unique flavors or prefer to stick with the traditional ones, candy canes are a festive treat that is basically pure sugar. Plus, they are especially hazardous for your oral health since biting into one can damage your tooth, and sucking on them exponentially increases your likelihood of cavities. Therefore, try opting for a sugar-free alternative instead!

Stuffing

This polarizing holiday side is also a culprit of tooth decay. Although it’s not high in sugar, it’s starchy makeup clings to your teeth, which contributes to plaque formation. So, if this Thanksgiving essential is one of your favorites, make sure to drink plenty of water during your meal. That way, the food particles can continually be rinsed away until you can complete your oral hygiene routine.

Eggnog

Usually, around mid-November, stores begin to stock their shelves with one of the most dividing holiday treats, eggnog. While some adamantly believe it tastes like melted ice cream, others are firm in their stance that it is nothing more than an over-hyped holiday beverage. Either way, its high sugar content (and the subsequent effect on your teeth) is not debatable. So, try indulging in a healthier holiday alternative, like vanilla chai tea!

Sugary Baked Goods

From chunky chocolate chip cookies and gingerbread-spiced pastries to cinnamon raisin bread, this time of year is filled with sugary baked goods that can lead to dental work in the new year if it isn’t consumed in moderation. Fortunately, you can help keep your teeth in tip-top shape by avoiding sticky or hard ingredients (like caramel and peanut brittle). Plus, make sure to brush and floss your teeth shortly after and eat a vitamin-rich diet for the majority of the day!

If you’d rather spend this holiday season with your loved ones than time in your dentist’s chair, do your best to exercise moderation heading into the new year. That way, your taste buds and your teeth will be happy!

About the Practice

For over three decades, Waterbury Smiles has helped patients in their community achieve pristine oral health. Today, they use the latest technology, their patient-centered approach to care, and a top-of-the-line sterilization center to ensure everyone can safely get the dental care they need to keep their smile in pristine condition for years to come. If it’s time for your biannual visit or your teeth need some holiday time TLC, visit their website or give them a call at 203-575-9097.