What You Should Know About Holiday Sweets and Your Teeth in Polaris, Ohio

You likely have a few favorite treats you look forward to indulging in every holiday season, whether it’s candy canes, chocolates, caramels, sugar cookies, decadent cakes or eggnog. You’re sure to find these and many other sweet temptations at holiday gatherings in Polaris, Ohio, and you’ve likely already enjoyed a few this December. Just keep in mind that while these treats are tasty, maybe even nostalgic, they also can damage your teeth.  

Sticky, sweet candies are among the biggest offenders, but all foods that contain sugar can do harm. While it’s best to avoid these treats altogether, we all know that’s difficult to do this time of year. The key is to take steps to protect your teeth.

Dr. Danny Moosa and his team at Parkway Family Dental in Polaris, Ohio, can help you do that and have put together a few tips to show you how to enjoy holiday treats without damaging your smile.  

Save your treats for after meals

If you graze on candies or cookies throughout the day, you’re giving bacteria a chance to build up in your mouth and cause cavities. Instead, enjoy your sweets, whether chocolates, cookies or pie, after a meal. The extra saliva you produce while eating will rinse away the acid that bacteria produces in your mouth, helping to reduce the cavity risk. So, if pie is on your mind or you’ve been eyeing that plate of snowball cookies, wait until after you’ve finished your turkey or ham.

Limit sticky candies

‍Treats like caramels and taffies stick to your teeth, and that makes them more likely to cause cavities. Avoiding them is best for your smile, but if you can’t resist those chocolate caramels, be sure to rinse your mouth with water when you’re done enjoying your sweet treat. That will take care of any leftover sugar, helping to prevent cavities from forming. Chewing sugar-free gum will help neutralize mouth acids, further reducing your cavity risk. Brushing your teeth thoroughly is also important, but don’t do it right away. Wait at least 30 minutes. Otherwise, you could end up damaging enamel.

Eat hard candies with caution

‍You may love candy canes and peppermints this time of year, but they can damage your enamel if you bite down too hard—and may even lead to an emergency visit at Parkway Family Dental in Polaris, Ohio. While Dr. Moosa and his team can take care of any issues that come up, it’s best to keep visits to ones you schedule in advance.

Another problem with hard candies? People tend to suck on them for long periods of time, and if they’re small, may have a second one after they’re done. This will coat your teeth with sugar—and that’s a great way to get cavities for Christmas. Chew these candies carefully, drink water after and brush 30 minutes to an hour later. Sugar-free gum also helps.

Keep water nearby

‍Any time you indulge in a sweet treat, it’s a good idea to drink water during and/or after. The same is true if you like to enjoy eggnog or alcoholic holiday drinks this time of year. While festive, both are horrible for your teeth. Taking sips of water in between drinks will help neutralize acids in your mouth and reduce the risk of damage.

Pick fresh fruit over dried

‍While the dried fruit sitting on the snack table might seem like a better option for your teeth than a Santa shaped candy, it really isn’t. They are filled with sugar, and we all know sugar causes decay. Fresh fruit is a much better option when available, and can still satisfy a sweet tooth.

Go for chocolate

‍Solid chocolate is your best sweet treat option this holiday season. It washes away easier than sticky candies, and if you choose dark chocolate over milk, your teeth will be exposed to less sugar. It’s still a good idea to drink water after your treat and, of course, to brush after 30 minutes.

Schedule a cleaning

‍The first of the year is a great time to visit Parkway Family Dental in Polaris, Ohio, for your next cleaning, especially if you went a little overboard on the sweets during the holidays. Regular dental exams and cleanings will help keep your teeth healthy and bright, and are the best way to find small issues before they become big problems. Dr. Moosa and his team provide comprehensive exams in the Polaris, Ohio office, and will talk with you about any issues they find, treatment they recommend and cosmetic services you might be interested in to start the New Year, including whitening, clear aligners, implants and veneers.

Don’t Wait

Dr. Moosa and his team at Parkway Family Dental in Polaris, Ohio, pride themselves on providing the best care possible. Dr. Moosa invests in the best technologies, including lasers, digital x-rays and digital scanners, to improve treatment outcomes and the patient experience. Call the office today and schedule your appointment before the holiday season is over. You can start 2026 with a brighter, healthier smile.