Holidays and Your Dental Health
With all the parties and cookie swaps this season, you’re sure to indulge (and maybe over-indulge) in holiday treats. While you do not need to deprive yourself of holiday cheer, keep in mind that many of these treats can be detrimental to your oral health. Get the run down below.
Christmas Cookies: It is nearly impossible to avoid Christmas cookies this time of year. At home, work and social events, there are bound to be cookies laying out. Don’t feel the need to skip out altogether, but remember that most cookies have a very high amount of tooth-damaging sugar.
Candy: Candy canes and other holiday candies not only contain a lot of sugar, but they also can be sticky, remaining between teeth and on the teeth’s surface for a prolonged period of time. Hard candy can also crack or chip teeth when biting on them. Be careful when eating these treats, and brush and floss as soon as you can after consumption to get the enamel-attacking sugar off your teeth.
Holiday Drinks: Egg nog, cider and other festive drinks are incredibly high in sugar (hot cider can have over 65 grams of sugar per cup with caramel sauce and whipped cream added!). Stick to a small glass, and drink water afterwards to wash away some of the sugar and rehydrate.
We don’t want to put a damper on your holiday season, but want to make sure you are being mindful of your dental health. Happy holidays from all of us at Art of Modern Dentistry!
Courtesy of Delta Dental