As the holiday season draws nearer, many people find themselves worrying about how their favorite seasonal treats will affect their waistlines. However, you may not have considered that some of these foods can also harm your smile. In fact, many of the most popular holiday foods can lead to a dental emergency if you’re not careful. If you want to avoid having to spend the holidays with a dentist in St. Albans rather than your family, then try to avoid or limit these four foods.
1. Eggnog
Not everyone enjoys eggnog, but if you do, you should know that it’s incredibly high in sugar. One glass of traditional eggnog contains about 20 grams of sugar, which almost exceeds the daily amount recommended by the American Heart Association. All of that sugar can put you at a serious risk of tooth decay!
2. Candy Canes
It’s not exactly a secret that candy canes are pretty much entirely sugar, so they greatly increase your chances of getting cavities. This is especially true if you suck on them, as you’re essentially bathing your teeth in sugar for extended periods of time. However, that isn’t the only reason why they’re dangerous for your teeth. Chewing on candy canes and other hard candies can weaken the enamel of your teeth. One wrong move could easily give you a chipped or cracked tooth.
3. Dried Fruit
Fruit contains plenty of essential vitamins that benefit your oral and overall health, but the same cannot be said for dried fruit. While regular fruits have fibrous skins that naturally scrub your teeth clean as you chew them, dried fruits stick to your teeth, giving harmful bacteria in your mouth the fuel they need to create cavity-causing acids.
4. Pecan Pie
For many people, pecan pie is just as much a staple of the holiday season as pumpkin pie. However, this holiday sweet treat has the potential to wreak some serious havoc on your pearly whites. Pecan pie is usually made with corn syrup, making it not only sugary, but also sticky. This double whammy means that as you chew pecan pie, bits of sticky sugars are deposited onto your teeth, where they can remain for some time and feed bacteria. Not to mention, the pecans are hard enough to wear down your enamel and may even break a tooth.
It may feel impossible to quit all of these holiday foods cold-turkey, but keep in mind that moderation is key. You can still indulge in these treats as long as you don’t overdo it and clean your teeth afterward. Make sure to also visit your dentist in St. Albans so they can give you personalized tips on keeping your smile merry and bright this holiday season!
About the Practice
At St. Albans Dental, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch dental care to patients of all ages. Dr. Tyler Aten and Dr. Simran Saini personalize each appointment to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you leave our office with a happy, healthy smile every single time. While we offer same-day emergency appointments, we strongly prioritize preventive care, and we’re happy to give you personalized advice on maintaining a problem-free smile for as long as possible. To learn more about caring for your smile this holiday season, visit our website or call us at (802) 524-4844.