Don’t Let All of the Sugar-Themed March Holidays Ruin Your Teeth!

When you think of important days in March, you probably think about St. Patrick’s Day and the spring equinox. However, March has many more holidays than you might have realized. Several of them have a sugary theme, such as National Banana Cream Pie Day, National Oreo Cookie Day, and National Flapjack Day. These days sure are fun to celebrate, but all of that sugar can’t be good for your teeth, right? Read on as a dentist in Mt. Dora reveals exactly how sugar impacts your teeth and how you can celebrate these March holidays without damaging your smile.

How Sugar Affects Your Teeth

If you’re like most people, you grew up hearing that too much sugar will give you cavities. But how exactly does this happen? When you eat or drink something that contains sugar, bacteria in your mouth feed on those particles. Afterward, they leave behind an acidic waste product that can eventually erode holes, called cavities, in the tooth enamel.

Technically, it’s neither the sugar nor the bacteria that causes cavities – it’s the bacteria’s waste. That said, you should still try to keep your sugar consumption to a minimum.

Should You Completely Cut Out Sugar?

Too much sugar is certainly bad for your teeth, but that doesn’t mean you can never have sugar again. Just consume it in moderation.

When possible, it’s best to avoid highly processed or refined sugars. This type of sugar is commonly found in items like candy and prepackaged snacks like potato chips (as well as banana cream pies, Oreo cookies, and flapjacks). Additionally, even foods that contain natural sugars, such as honey and dried fruit, can harm your teeth if consumed too often.

How to Keep Your Smile Safe Throughout March and Beyond

If you’re going to celebrate the sugar-themed March holidays mentioned earlier, remember that moderation is key. Limit yourself to one slice of pie or a couple of cookies. Try to brush your teeth after indulging in these treats, but if you can’t, then drink water afterward to wash away lingering food bits and bacteria before they can harm your smile.

March also has plenty of holidays that you can celebrate without increasing your risk of cavities, including National Johnny Appleseed Day and National Spinach Day. In fact, March 6 is National Dentist’s Day, making it the perfect opportunity to call your dentist and schedule a checkup, ask them for advice on keeping your teeth healthy, or even just say thanks for all that they’ve done for your smile!

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Lacquaniti is a family dentist in Mt. Dora, FL who earned her dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry more than a decade ago. At Lacquaniti Dental, she advocates a preventive approach to dental care and enjoys educating patients on caring for their smiles at home. To learn how you can enjoy March holidays without harming your smile, visit her website or call 352-383-8121.