It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That means festive parties, beautiful decorations, and, for a lot of folks, it’s also time to indulge in their favorite seasonal foods and drinks. But before you take a bite out of that year-end treat, you may want to think twice about how doing so could affect your oral health. You might be surprised to learn that some of our favorite festive fare can put teeth at risk. Keep reading to learn about the five holiday foods in Crown Point to steer clear of this time of year!
1. Peppermints and Candy Canes
Maybe it doesn’t come as a surprise that hard candies like peppermints and candy canes aren’t great for your teeth, but it bears repeating. These treats go hand-in-hand with holiday celebrations, but they are really just pure sugar waiting to damage your dental health. Enjoy one or two, but try not to make a habit of peppermints and candy canes this time of year. Sugar-free peppermint gum can give you the same fresh, festive feeling.
2. Dried Fruits
If you come across a holiday tray with nuts and fruits, you may want to think twice before popping that dried apricot in your mouth. These extra-sticky substances cling to the teeth, making it easy for bacteria to grow on the enamel. For an equally tasty alternative to dried fruit, stick to fresh grapes, strawberries, and apricots instead.
3. Wassail and Holiday Cider
There’s nothing better than sipping on a warm holiday beverage when the temperature drops and the tree is lit. Unfortunately, drinks like wassail and cider are so tasty because they contain a hefty serving of sugar. To keep warm and festive without running the risk of developing a Christmas cavity, try substituting that sugary beverage for hot tea instead.
4. Nut Brittles
Aside from containing a whopping serving of sugar, biting down peanut, almond, and other nut brittles can quickly lead to a chipped or broken tooth. These rock-hard treats often land partgoers at the emergency dentist. It’s best to steer clear of nut brittles altogether.
5. Sugar Cookies
Sorry to Santa and his reindeer, but their favorite midnight snack can also wreak havoc on the smile. Sugar cookies are some of the worst offenders when it comes to oral health, especially when they are decorated with glitter – which is just small pieces of sugar. If you must indulge, make sure to brush and floss your teeth soon after.
There you have it: the top five treats to treat with caution this time of year. All things in moderation, and schedule an appointment with your dentist in the New Year to make sure your smile made it through November and December festivities without any issues!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Daniel Berquist and Dr. Robert Berquist team up to provide excellent dental care for families and friends in the Chicago suburbs and Northwest Indiana. In addition to offering services like checkups and cleanings and porcelain veneers, they are also on hand to provide general advice on how to keep your smile happy and healthy. To learn more, reach out via their website or contact your dentist in Crown Point directly at (219) 226-0544.
