Now that the holiday season is upon us that means it’s time for food, family, food, presents, holiday parties, and food. There’s a lot of food around is what we’re saying. Tons of different varieties, holiday treats you don’t see the rest of the year, family recipes and specialties, and a whole lot of ways to incorporate sugar just make everything so tempting. You should be wary however, for as delicious as all of these dishes can be they can be hard on your teeth, and some are just best avoided.
The Sticky
Food items that get into the crevices and stay there are some of the worst ones for your teeth since they can turn into sugars that feed damaging bacteria. Popcorn is a major offender during this season as kernels can get stuck between teeth and under the gum line which can cause problems. Other sticky foods like stuffing and dried fruit are problematic for the same reason – the longer they stick in your teeth the more damage they can do.
Learn more about teeth whitening and aesthetics.
The Sweet
There are plenty of sweets to go around during the holidays. Egg nog is full of sugar and fat and can layer itself on to your teeth. Candy, especially candy canes are almost pure sugar so they’re dangerous as are most other forms of seasonal snacks like sugar cookies, yule logs, and the various cakes and pies that get adorned with the symbols of holiday cheer. It’s a sugar overload and your teeth are best served by avoiding them altogether.
Preventing Damage
Let’s be honest, you’re not going to avoid all of them. People serve holiday foods because they’re yummy and simply all part of the celebrations of the Season, you’re going to want to indulge your taste buds. That’s perfectly fine but if you know what the worst foods are you can know how to combat any issues that may arise. Bring a toothbrush and floss with you to holiday dinners and you’ll be able to get any sticky stuff off. Even drinking water between snack sessions will help clear your mouth of sugary debris. Take the right precautions and you can enjoy the deliciousness the season can offer without ending up with dental problems.
Enjoy your holiday season but make sure to be smart about what you eat and how you clean your teeth. If you’re looking to get your teeth cleaned to make your pearly whites really dazzle this holiday season or want to get something else checked, we provide full service family dentistry. Contact Pickering Square Dental today.
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean is also the official dentist of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.
