Blog

9 Holiday Foods Which Can Be Bad For Your Teeth

Posted by Southeast Family Dental Dec 01,2021

As you approach the season of goodwill and festive fun, you will also be indulging in lots of delicious holiday foods, no doubt.

Do you ever wonder how much the following sugary treats impact your beautiful smile?

Let’s take a look at the following tasty treats so that you can decide on the ones you would like to steer clear of this year and determine what you are going to make your Christmas naughty but nice secret.

To keep your teeth healthy and strong, and free of any cavities, make sure you drink plenty of water to ensure any sugars are wash away from your teeth enamel, helping to reduce any permanent damage to your teeth. You should also make flossing your best friend and do it frequently whenever you divulge these festive snacks and confectionery treats.

1. Pecan Pie

A little slice of pecan pie may be a delightful treat but beware of the effects of the nuts, which could get stuck in your teeth and gums in addition to that. Your teeth will be fighting damage to protect your tooth enamel after your teeth are being bathed in the high sugar content of syrup and sticky molasses. Make sure you drink plenty of water to flush sugar away from your teeth.

2. Peanut Brittle

This festive treat could cause lots of issues to your teeth. Eating this may see you have to make a quick dash to the dentists, especially if the sticky toffee confection may get stuck on crowns, fillings, and causing all kinds of heavy damage to your teeth.

3. Peppermint Candy Canes

Next on our list of holiday foods that can be bad for your teeth are peppermint candy canes – the confectionary of sugar plum fairies and childhood memories. Sadly they are not very good for your teeth. As these festive treats take a little while to eat, the sugar from the candy cane coats your teeth with a sticky, sugary residue and dye. The bacteria in your mouth combines with the sugar to produce acid, increasing the risk of dental cavities.

4. Dried Fruit

Although you may think that dried fruit may be a healthy substitute for sweets and chocolate, dried fruits such as prunes, apricots, figs, and raisins are incredibly sticky. They get stuck in tiny crevices and dental work, leaving behind a sticky residue on your teeth that eats into the tooth’s enamel over time. You should make sure you brush your teeth after eating these sugary, sticky treats.

5. Mixed Nuts

Even savory holiday foods can cause more harm than good to your dental work. However, they are the healthiest of all of the lovely choices you can see here on this list. Be sure to floss your teeth so that any tiny particles of nuts do not get stuck and trapped, which leads to tooth decay and tooth loss.

6. Popcorn

Fantastic hot buttery popcorn can be an alternative seasonal savory or sweet treat, especially on a cold winter’s day, in front of a roaring fire cuddled up with the ones you love.

Popcorn may cause a double threat. The thin fluffy layer covering the kernel can get stuck between your teeth or between your tooth and the gum.

This gives bacteria the chance to grow on your teeth and in your mouth, causing tooth decay and dental hygiene issues.

7. Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages are usually packed with high sugar content and quite acidic, damaging your teeth, eating into your teeth’ enamel and dentine. Long term consumption of this type of drink can also be harmful to the whole of your body and put you at risk of severe health issues such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), weight gain, and sugar intolerances.

8. Egg Nog or Homemade Punch

You may be drawn to enjoy this festive drink of choice that reminds you of cinnamon and winter snows, that conjures up happy memories of your youth. Egg nog is not as healthy as it contains raw eggs, cream, sugar, alcohol (optionally), and spices; this coats your teeth and erodes your tooth enamel. Look for alternatives. For example, you could drink cranberry juice or mulled apple juice instead.

9. Caramel or Chocolate Covered Caramels

Caramel or chocolate-covered caramels, although a lovely little sugar-filled sweet treat, are best if eaten in moderation; the sticky caramel coats your teeth and eats into any delicate dental work. You should make sure your floss regularly and drink plenty of water.

Conclusion

Sure, you still might indulge in these holiday foods for the sugar rush and feel-good factor. Just remember, the downside is that they can cause severe damage to your teeth, both in the short and long term.

You should make sure to drink plenty of water after you eat these types of food. Better yet, add an extra tooth brushing in your day (one more than your regular dental hygiene schedule and routine), and be sure to floss at least once or twice a day.

By doing this, you will have a better chance of getting rid of any unwanted debris trapped in gaps and stray food that is hiding in crevices and combining with bacteria that can cause dental decay.

Enjoy the odd seasonal treat, but also add some fresh fruit and vegetables that are healthier too. Although you should refrain from eating too much as natural sugars can also cause damage to your teeth.

Visit your dentist, and keep up to date with dental appointments to ensure that your mouth hygiene is maintained and your teeth are looked after and free of decay.

Finally, do not ignore any dental issues. Instead, seek advice, and attend to any problems as soon as they appear to prevent tooth loss and anything more serious.

By maintaining healthy teeth, you ensure that you keep your wonderful smile!

In this time of festivity and hope, you might be forgiven if you slightly indulged in a few festive treats to lift your spirits, but be sure to do so in moderation, of course.

Leave A Reply

Please fill all the fields.
More Blog Posts
A Dentist’s Favorite TikTok Videos
A Dentist’s Favorite TikTok Videos

Sure, TikTok is filled with all the latest dance crazes and funny pet tricks, but that doesn’t mean a dentist can’t have fun with this viral video app too! Lots of dentists are jumping on the TikTok bandwagon and some of their videos are pretty funny. We asked Dr. Geiger and Dr. Jones to pick out some of their favorite dental-themed TikTok videos. We think you’ll enjoy them as much as they did! Dr. Geiger’s Favorite TikTok Videos Okay, we admit it. We may occasionally use dental lingo that only we understand! But, we still always have your best interests in mind! https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastfamilydental.com%2F&referer_video_id=6865650591734025478&refer=embed [https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastfamilydental.com%2F&referer_video_id=6865650591734025478&refer=embed] C’mon, admit it. How many of you try to convince how “good” you’ve been since your last checkup? We hope we really aren’t the most hated but yeah, we get it – going to the dentist might not be your favorite part of the day! Dr. Jones’s Favorite TikTok Videos Yes, even the staff at your dentist’s office can get excited doing their job! https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastfamilydental.com%2F&referer_video_id=6834617213874474245&refer=embed [https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastfamilydental.com%2F&referer_video_id=6834617213874474245&refer=embed]  Did you ever wonder how a dentist gets a checkup?

Are smokeless (chewing) tobacco and e-cigarettes bad for your teeth?
Are smokeless (chewing) tobacco and e-cigarettes bad for your teeth?

It is widely known that smoking can seriously harm your oral health. Smoking increases the prevalence of oral cancers, gum disease, plaque, tooth discoloration and loss of bone in the jaw. Risk to oral health? In recent years, e-cigarettes have had a huge increase in popularity. Users enjoy the absence of bad-smelling smoke and the ability to vape inside. There is the lack of any fire risk and potential cost savings compared to traditional cigarettes. Since vaping does not involve inhaling the same thick smoke as cigarettes, some believe that e-cigarettes do not pose a risk to oral health. Although there is some evidence to suggest e-cigarettes may be less harmful to your general health than traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes can cause serious damage to your oral health. E-cigarettes are known to cause inflammation of the throat and the mouth. Furthermore, these devices are not yet known to be safe to operate. There are multiple documented cases of e-cigarettes exploding in the mouths of users, causing both burns and broken teeth. Lastly, while some people may find e-cigarettes useful as a smoking cessation aid, they can also function as a gateway drug. Significant numbers of young people become accustomed to the actions and rituals of smoking in the first place through e-cigarettes, and then go on to smoke traditional cigarettes. Smokeless (chewing) tobacco A similar dynamic is at work with smokeless tobacco. Some users believe that because they do not inhale any smoke, there will be no harm to their oral health. However, smokeless tobacco is known to have a profoundly harmful impact on oral health. It dramatically increases the risk of oral cancer. Many users also experience gum (periodontal) disease. Tooth discoloration occurs in many cases. Some people also experience a decreased sense of smell and taste. In addition, smokeless tobacco often has harmful additives. Sugar is a common component, which increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Sand and grit are also very common in chewing tobacco. Their presence erodes teeth and causes increased teeth sensitivity. Chewing tobacco and vaping might not generate smoke as traditional cigarettes do, but they can be very harmful to your oral health. If you would like to quit smoking, talk to your doctor about smoking aids or programs. If you are experiencing any of effects above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Southeast Family Dental on 317-359-8000.

That trip to the dentist might not cost as much as you think
That trip to the dentist might not cost as much as you think

Some people avoid going to the dentist because they think of dental expenses as a cost that they can avoid. However, the average dental bill is considerably less than other common household expenses that might not be completely necessary. Coffee, alcohol and the gym The average American spends $700 on coffee each year. Most of this comes from ordering coffee in cafes. While making coffee at home costs no more than a few cents, the same cup of joe might cost over $5 in a cafe. Similarly, the average person over 21 spends $400 each year on alcohol. Moreover, while a typical gym membership costs about $40 or $50 per month, about 70% of those go unused. Going to your dentist, on the other hand, is absolutely essential to safeguard your oral health. Your dentist can help you to improve your oral health, find problems and deal with them before they develop, and also give you peace of mind. Overestimating dental expenses Many people overestimate dental expenses, or assume that they will cost more than they actually do. Wanting to minimize expenses in the short term encourages people to visit their dentist infrequently. This tendency is made worse because many healthcare plans do not include dental coverage. Yet this short-term approach to dental care is actually far more expensive over time. The paradox of dental expenses is that they can be reduced by going to the dentist regularly. This is because of the age old principle that prevention is better than cure. Your dentist can catch problems and deal with them early on. This often saves people a lot of money that they would have to spend treating more serious issues further on down the line. For example, a cavity that could be resolved with a simple filling early on might require a root canal a few months later. Regular check-ups are key Regular check-ups are the key to safeguarding your oral health and also to keeping your dental bills low. If you’d like to find out more or to schedule a check up, please do not hesitate to give the friendly office staff at Southeast Family Dental a call today on 317-359-8000.

Would a Dog Calm Your Fears at the Dentist?
Would a Dog Calm Your Fears at the Dentist?

Do you suffer from fears and anxiety when going to the dentist? Or, maybe a trip to the dentist is a scary event for your child, which also stresses you out? Dental fears, anxiety and phobia are extremely common. It’s estimated that between 5% and 8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to fears. Some people (perhaps up to 20%) experience so much anxiety that they’ll only go to the dentist when it’s absolutely necessary. People experience dental anxiety and fears for various reasons, including: * Previous bad experiences at the dentist’s office. * Fear of pain. * Feeling helpless or not in control of the situation. * Embarrassment about the state of their teeth and gums. Being unfamiliar with the instruments, noises and smells in the dental office. This is especially true for young children. At Southeast Family Dental, we understand how the dentist’s office can cause anxiety and fears. But calming fears isn’t just for kids, some adults need help calming their anxiety at the dentist, too. So a dentist located in Northbrook, IL, has found an ingenious way to do just that. He brings a trained comfort dog into his office. The golden retriever soothes nervous kids and adults alike by comforting them during dental exams. In fact, the golden retriever has a sixth sense when it comes to figuring out exactly who needs him the most. A comfort dog really is an excellent idea to calm dental fears, because animals tend to have a soothing effect on people. Other ideas that dentists may use to calm your fears, include: * Providing you with an iPad and headphones, so you can listen to relaxing music or watch a TV program to distract you. * Offering you a blanket for warmth, comfort and the feeling of security. * Giving you nitrous oxide or other sedatives to help you feel relaxed during dental exams or procedures. If you suffer from dental anxiety and fears, talk to our team at Southeast Family Dental. We can talk to you about what to expect during your appointment and help you find ways to ease your fears. We want to make sure your dental experience is as calm, comfortable and stress-free as possible for you.

World Record | Largest Collection of Toothpaste
World Record | Largest Collection of Toothpaste

You’ve probably never really given much thought into how many different types of toothpaste there are in the world. When you head to the stores to pick up a new tube of toothpaste you may be met with dozens of different makes and types of toothpaste. Maybe you have a brand that you have stuck to for years, or maybe you go with whatever is on offer or is the cheapest. But it turns out that there is a whole world of choice out there. Building A World Record Toothpaste Collection One man actually collects toothpaste. Dr. Val Kolpakov is a dentist who actually started out collecting pulled teeth. He switched hobbies and began collecting different types of toothpaste. So far, he has amassed a collection of over 3000 different tubes from everywhere in the world. He switched from pulling teeth to collecting toothpaste because it was “more exciting”. Of course, he displays his entire collection in his Saginaw, MI, dental surgery for all of his patients to see. It’s probably a much nicer sight than his previous collection. It is probably no surprise that will a collection of toothpaste so large, Dr. Val Kolpakov holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of toothpaste. So Much Variation In Dr. Val Kolpakov’s world record collection, there are a whole host of different varieties. If you want to feel as though you want a treat while you brush, his collection is home to chocolate, curry, and whiskey toothpaste. One of Dr. Val Kolpakov’s toothpaste dates all the way back to 1801. Although not strictly a toothpaste, because it hadn’t actually been invented then, this is a tooth powder in a silver box. The scariest toothpaste of all dates back to the second world war and is made using a radioactive compound. While nobody would rush to use this now, it was believed at the time that the radiation would revive your gums. He has red wine toothpaste, amaretto flavored paste, there are celebrity toothpaste tubes that have featured on TV and movie sets. Dr. Val Kolpakov started collecting after he had heard of a German dentist who had collected 500 different types of toothpaste. About a quarter of the world record collection that was started in 2002 by Dr. Val Kolpakov is on display in his dental practice in Saginaw. Your Toothpaste Doesn’t Have to Break a World Record Of course, there is no need for you to buy three thousand different types of toothpaste. One good toothpaste is all that you will require. The reason that you need to brush your teeth is that each day bacteria form in your mouth and sticks to your teeth. These bacteria can cause plaque to form on the teeth, which in turn will lead to tooth decay. Bacterial plaque also causes gum disease if left to its own devices. So brushing helps to get rid of the plaque-causing bacteria and is therefore very important for your oral health. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. You should brush for two minutes at a time, ensuring that you get every part of your teeth including the sides, tops, and backs. The most important thing that you need in your toothpaste is fluoride. This helps to remineralize your teeth and reverse the effects that plaque and reduce the risk of decay. Stannous fluoride provides all of the benefits of regular fluoride toothpaste, however, it also helps with sensitive teeth. There are a number of different types of fluoride available in toothpaste. In some cases, your dentist may recommend high-fluoride toothpaste if you are at a higher risk of tooth decay. You should only use this type of toothpaste if your dentist specifically recommends it. Getting The Best Advice On Your Dental Needs If you are in anyway unsure about the type of toothpaste that you should be using, be sure and speak with your dentist about it while having a check-up. Having a regular dental check-up is vital for your overall oral health. It allows dentists to spot the early warning signs of tooth decay and allows them to do something about it. Plaque can be removed before it becomes a problem, however, once decay has set into your teeth, it may cause considerable discomfort and will require more work doing to it. Prevention is far better than having dental procedures, and that is why your dentist will be happy to provide you with any advice that you need to help you maintain healthy teeth through regular brushing with the right toothpaste.

Location

6020 Southeastern Ave,
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Office Hours

MON - THU:8:00 am-5:00 pm

FRI:8:00 am-2:00 pm

SAT - SUN:Closed