The holiday season is exciting! You get to spend time with friends and family, give and receive gifts, and of course, indulge in sweet treats. While sweet treats are delicious, they can wreak havoc on your oral health. The good news is you may enjoy them in moderation during the holidays and beyond. You can also choose healthier alternatives that will still satisfy your tastebuds. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best and worst candy to eat while you’re enjoying the holiday season.
Best Candy to Eat
Chocolate Candy
Chocolate candy is a good option because chocolate can easily wash off your teeth. Unlike other candy, it won’t cause sugar to stick around and increase your risk of cavities and other damage. Dark chocolate is better than milk chocolate and white chocolate because it contains less sugar. It also offers a powerful antioxidant, which can actually be good for your teeth and overall health.
Candy with Nuts
The reality is that a lot of holiday candy is sticky. Sticky candy can be a recipe for disaster for your teeth. That’s why you should choose candy with nuts instead. Nuts take away from the stickiness of candy so the sugar won’t linger as much as it would without them. They’re also packed with fatty acids which are great for you.
Cheese
We know cheese isn’t a type of candy but we have to mention it because eating cheese can increase your saliva production. Saliva is a good thing because it can strengthen your enamel, thanks to its high calcium content. It can also reduce the pH balance in your mouth, reducing the risk of cavities. You can pair cheese slices with turkey as it’s a good source of protein and has the ability to keep your teeth strong.
Worst Candy to Eat
Even though these treats are tasty, they won’t do anything good for your teeth so try to limit them as much as possible.
Hard Candy
Hard candy like candy canes and lollipops require you to suck. Sucking can coat your teeth with sugar and stickiness. This can lead to bacteria in your mouth and raise the risk of cavities while eroding enamel. Since most hard candy is displayed in candy dishes during the holidays, you may want to ignore them.
Baked Goods
Brownies, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods are packed with sugar which is no good for your teeth. Even small pieces of these treats can get stuck between your teeth, prompting cavities. Instead of baked goods, opt for fresh fruit as it contains less sugar and can give you the sweet fix you desire.
Sugary Drinks
Eggnog and hot chocolate are holiday staples. They’re also warming on cold winter days. But they are rich in sugar and very bad for your teeth. If you do sip on them, make sure to avoid add-ons like whipped cream and marshmallows as they can add to the sugar content.
Schedule an Appointment at Tryon Family Dentistry
For more information on what you should eat and avoid during the holidays or to schedule an appointment, contact Tryon Family Dentistry. Call us at 919-249-6799 today! We look forward to hearing from you!
