Keep Your Smile Merry and Bright This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes an abundance of festive treats and sweets. While indulging in these delicious goodies is part of the fun, it’s important to remember that all those holiday sweets can take a toll on your pearly whites. At Barrington Grove Dental, we want to help you maintain a healthy smile throughout the season. Let’s explore how candy and sugar affect your teeth, which treats to be cautious of, and some best practices for keeping your smile bright.

The Sweet and Sour Truth: How Candy and Sugar Affect Your Smile

We all know that sugar isn’t great for our teeth, but do you know why? When you consume sugary treats, the bacteria in your mouth feast on these sugars, producing acid as a byproduct. This acid attacks your tooth enamel, leading to decay and cavities if left unchecked. The more frequently you indulge in sugary snacks, the more opportunities these bacteria have to damage your teeth.

Naughty List: The Worst Types of Candy For Your Teeth

While moderation is key with all sweets, some holiday treats are particularly troublesome for your dental health:

• Sticky candies (like caramels or gummy bears)
• Hard candies (such as candy canes)
• Sour candies
• Chewy treats (like taffy)

These types of candy either stick to your teeth for longer periods or require prolonged sucking, increasing the time your teeth are exposed to harmful sugars and acids.

Nice List: Best Practices to Keep Your Teeth Clean

Don’t worry — you don’t have to completely avoid holiday sweets to maintain a healthy smile. Follow these tips to enjoy the season while protecting your teeth:

1. Rinse with water: After indulging in sugary treats, swish some water around your mouth to help wash away lingering sugars and acids.

2. Brush and floss regularly: Stick to your oral hygiene routine, brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily.

3. Choose treats wisely: Opt for dark chocolate or nuts instead of sticky or hard candies when possible.

4. Use a straw: When enjoying sugary drinks, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

5. Chew sugar-free gum: This stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles.

6. Don’t forget your veggies: Balance out the sweets with crunchy vegetables, which can help clean your teeth naturally.

7. Schedule a post-holiday cleaning: Book an appointment with Dr. Robert Passehl at Barrington Grove Dental for a thorough cleaning after the holiday season.

Remember, enjoying holiday sweets in moderation and maintaining good oral hygiene habits are key to keeping your smile bright throughout the festive season and beyond. If you have any concerns about your dental health or would like to schedule a check-up, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 847-382-0818. From all of us at Barrington Grove Dental, we wish you a happy, healthy, and smile-filled holiday season!