Candy canes are an iconic treat and decoration this time of year. However, it may be better to leave candy canes hanging on tree instead of eating them as a snack. Candy canes can be a problem for your smile’s health. They are hard, which if bitten down at the wrong place at the wrong time can lead to tooth breakage. Candy canes are also full of sugar. They may taste like toothpaste, but they can actually introduce a lot of troublesome elements into your smile. Sucking on a candy cane can leave a lot of sugar in your smile, which can increase your risks for gum disease and tooth decay. The team at E-Care Dentistry in Olathe, KS is here to answer your dental questions in order to keep your smile healthy.
Peppermint Swaps
The best swap for a candy is sugarless peppermint-flavored gum. Sugarless gum is a friend to your smile. It can induce saliva production that can aid in the rinsing of harmful bacteria away from your teeth and gums. If you are looking for more indulgent treats than gum, opt for softer peppermint options. Chocolate and mint make a nice combination that can dissolve quickly in the smile. Peppermint hot cocoa can be a fun mix that gives you that peppermint fix. If you are sipping on hot cocoa, be sure to follow it with sips of water to help move the sugar along instead of lingering in your smile.
Popcorn and Other Problems
Candy canes are not the only smile danger during the holidays. Popcorn is a popular treat, too, this time of year. When eating popcorn, be sure to chew carefully to avoid breaking a tooth on an unpopped kernel or getting a hull stuck in your gums. The most important thing to remember for your smile’s health is to keep up with your oral hygiene and to visit your dentist regularly.
Do You Have Questions About Your Smile?
We want to help you keep your own and your family’s smiles healthy this holiday season. To schedule a consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Spring Hill, Osawatomie, Edgerton, Shawnee, Johnson County, De Soto, Paola, Lawrence, and all surrounding communities.