The holiday season has arrived, and along with it comes a plate of sweet treats—from chocolate chip cookies to Christmas pudding and a numerous amount of pastries. While these sweets bring joy to your taste buds, they may cause some trouble to your teeth, especially if they don’t look after them. But don’t worry, you don’t have to skip the holiday treats entirely! In our blog, we’ll dive into how you can enjoy seasonal goods while you protect your teeth and keep them in top shape.
1. Balance Sweets with Healthy Choices
It’s tempting to fill up on sugary treats, but balancing them with other foods can help protect your teeth; foods such as cheese, yoghurt, and vegetables (like celery and carrots) actually help to clean your teeth by increasing saliva production and providing calcium and other minerals to strengthen enamel. Have a small portion of sweets along with these foods for a better balance this holiday season.
2. Limit Sticky and Hard Sweets
Some holiday sweets are pretty tough on your teeth and can cling to your teeth or even cause them to chip or crack, such as sticky toffee, caramel, or hard peppermint or sweets. If you do indulge in sticky sweets, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward to help remove lingering sugar.
3. Stay Hydrated to Wash Away Sugar
Following from our last tip, sipping water while eating sweets helps to rinse sugar off your teeth and encourages saliva production, which naturally neutralises acids. If you’re enjoying holiday drinks like hot chocolate or sugary cocktails, try to alternate with sips of water, as this not only keeps you hydrated but also helps protect your teeth from sugar buildup.
4. Choose Dark Chocolate over Sticky Sweets
If you’re craving something sweet but want to be a bit kinder to your teeth, opt for dark chocolate. In addition to it being lower in sugar than milk chocolate, it also melts quickly, reducing the amount of time sugar stays in contact with your teeth. Dark chocolate even has antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health—just remember to enjoy it in moderation!
5. Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss
After indulging in these holiday sweet treats, give your teeth the attention they deserve, as ensure you’re brushing them at least twice a day (especially after meals) and flossing daily to remove sugar and bacteria that can lead to cavities. For the best results, use a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel against sugar.
6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum can help to clean your teeth when you’re on the go and can’t brush immediately after eating sweets. It promotes saliva flow, which washes away sugar and neutralises acids. Look for gum with xylitol, which is a natural sweetener and that has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria.
7. Schedule a Post-Christmas Dental Check-Up
A dental check-up after the holiday season is a great way to catch any early signs of decay or damage, as dentists can clean your teeth thoroughly and address any issues that might have developed from indulging in holiday sweets. This preventative step can save you from bigger dental problems down the road.
The holiday season should be enjoyed without worry, and following these tips will help you do just that. By being mindful of your choices and practicing good oral hygiene, you can help enjoy your favourite sweet treats while you protect your teeth and keep them healthy. So ensure to enjoy your festive favourite, but also make sure you’re taking care of your teeth. If you’re looking to book an appointment with us, contact our professional and friendly team today.
