The kids have returned to school, overnight temperatures have cooled, and pumpkin spice-flavored everything has hit nearly every store which can only mean one thing – the holiday season is nearly upon us! Halloween is only a month away while Thanksgiving and Christmas are close behind.
The holidays are a great time to take a break from work and the everyday hustle and bustle of life and focus on family and delicious meals. Though there are savory foods like turkey and mashed potatoes to enjoy, most holidays have sugary treats and desserts that can wreak havoc on teeth. Keep reading for a dental health guide to protect your beautiful smile and healthy teeth throughout the sugary festivities!
The Negative Effects of Sugary Treats on Teeth
It may seem like enjoying festive, sugary treats only a few months out of the year can’t do much to impact your oral hygiene, but you’d be surprised! Though the holiday season only spans a few months from October to December, frequently consuming sugary treats can do some damage to your teeth.
Sugary treats like lollipops, chocolate bars, cookies, and pies are at nearly every holiday gathering. Did you know Americans spend over $3 billion annually on Halloween candy alone? Children alone consume more than 3 cups of sugar when chowing down on Halloween candy. Likewise, adults consume 25g of sugar in one slice of pumpkin pie (assuming they don’t go back for seconds which is hard to avoid) – that’s the daily recommendation for sugar consumption in a single day!
While we want you to enjoy some festive treats this holiday season, we want you to be mindful of the negative effects of sugary treats on teeth. Though sugar is fine in moderation, if you’re consuming large amounts it could damage the enamel and can lead to decay.
Dental Health Guide for the Holidays
We want you to enjoy the festive holiday season and the sugary treats that come with it. Below is a health guide for enjoying the holidays this season without worrying about the negative effects on your teeth:
Brush After Every Meal
Holiday meals and sugary festive treats often have more sugar in one meal than what you would consume in one day. You should already be brushing twice daily to keep your teeth and gums clean, but try brushing after every festive meal this holiday season. The longer sugar sits on your teeth the more dangerous it can be, so removing it by brushing will help protect your teeth.
Remember to Floss
Maintaining oral health during holidays can be tricky, but please remember to floss daily throughout the holiday season. So many of the festive treats we consume, whether candy, fruit cakes, or Christmas cookies, are loaded with sugars, and bits and pieces can get lodged between your teeth and the gum line. Brushing alone won’t remove plaque between the teeth so it’s recommended to floss daily.
Make Lower Sugar Treats
While not every recipe can be made healthier, there are some ways you can make lower-sugar treats just as yummy! Festive desserts and snacks like sugar cookies, cakes, and pies can be made healthier and safer for teeth by reducing the amount of sugar the recipe calls for or swapping sugar for natural and better alternatives.
For example, the next time you make a pumpkin pie, limit the amount of sugar by using 1/4th less sugar or replacing the sugar with healthier alternatives like maple syrup or agave. Reducing sugar will aid in your holiday dental care and make it easier to maintain better oral health during holidays.
Moderation
Just like your day-to-day life, most things are fine in moderation. Periodically enjoying sweet festive treats won’t harm your teeth, just like indulging in one of your favorite savory meals one night a week won’t ruin your health journey. Moderation is key, so try to ensure that most of your diet is healthy and lower sugar while enjoying those festive sweet treats periodically during the holiday season!
Trust Rhoades Family Dentistry with your Dental Care
Whether you’re due for a cleaning during or after the holiday season, trust Rhoades Family Dentistry for your dental care. We provide all dental services and treatments including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, dental implants, and more. We can help you maintain your oral health during holidays by scheduling a cleaning and offering seasonal dental tips with preventative maintenance and cavity prevention.
If you need dental care for the entire family, Rhoades Family Dentistry would love to be your family dentist! We’re family-owned and operated with a team of dedicated professionals who are members of the American Dental Association, American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, and many other dental associations. Our staff has undergone extensive training to provide all our patients with the best dental care.
Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy holiday smiles!
