American Dentists List Worst Christmas Treats
Christmas is coming and while it’s the most wonderful time of the year for most of us, it can be a nightmare for dentists. With so many sticky, sweet treats on offer, a group of leading dentists has compiled a list of the worst offenders.
Among the high-fliers are candy canes, dried fruit, egg nog, hot chocolate and Christmas pudding. Most of these foods are packed with sugar and some are also very sticky, which means that food gets stuck to your teeth and trapped along the gum line. Fizzy drinks, wintry cocktails, flavoured coffees and mince pies also pose problems for dentists.
Christmas is a time of year when we like to indulge and treat ourselves to rich foods and a few drinks. Dentists aren’t trying to ruin the party, but they have offered some tips to help to reduce the impact of festive feasting on your teeth and gums.
If you are eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods or drinks, try and stick to mealtimes. If you snack between meals, your tooth enamel will be under constant attack. It takes time for the enamel to re-harden once you’ve finished eating, so avoiding snacking will ensure that your teeth have chance to recover. It’s also a good idea to use a straw when drinking and to try and opt for sugar-free mixers if you’re drinking spirits. Dentists also recommend waiting around one hour after eating to clean your teeth. If you brush straight after a meal, this can damage your enamel.
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