Candy Canes and Your Smile

It’s likely that everything you ever heard about the history of candy canes is wrong. Contrary to popular belief, they are not a sign of religious identity, though the machine that bends the sticks into their familiar hook shape was created by a catholic priest in 1919. It’s called the Keller Machine and was created for his brother-in-law’s candy company, Bobs Candies.

Wondering if candy canes were always red and white? Nope! They didn’t even have stripes when they were first introduced to the market, sometime in the 19th century. Back then, they were plain white canes. The striped variety didn’t show up until the early 20th century, and now you can find them in all sorts of colors!

Are Candy Canes Bad for Your Teeth?

Here’s one true fact: traditional candy canes are sugar sticks. And sugar is your teeth’s worst nightmare. Being festively flavored with peppermint doesn’t reduce the dangers of that sugar.

Sugar feeds oral bacteria that then release acids, which weaken tooth enamel. This dental erosion process creates tiny cavities, which often get deeper and bigger over time. Simply stated: when you eat sugar, sugar eats your teeth. Yikes!

Of course, not all sugar is equally bad. Some foods that are good for you – such as fruit and dairy – have naturally-occurring sugar. Our bodies digest naturally occurring sugars differently. It doesn’t shock our bodies the way added sugars do.

Do I Need to Avoid Candy Canes This Year?

No! It’s totally okay to indulge in candy canes and other treats occasionally. But be sure you go to the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings throughout the year, especially before the holidays. Healthy teeth can withstand a few holiday treats!

It’s also a good idea to eat sweets WITH (rather than after) your meal. The excess saliva your mouth produces while you are eating will help wash down the sugar, so it doesn’t linger on your teeth. And after you’re done, rinse your mouth with plain water and brush your teeth.

Would you rather snack on sweets? Here again, water is your teeth’s best buddy. Rinse right after you’re done, and then brush. Don’t be too aggressive, you don’t need to scour the sugar away. Your normal brushing routine is fine. If you can’t brush right away, rinsing is still a huge help.

Pre-Holiday Prep

Do your damage control. Strong, healthy teeth are better at warding off the harm caused by sugar and all those other holiday snacks. No matter how great your at-home oral care routines are, you need regular dental check-ups and cleanings. If you’ve been putting them off due to budget, consider a dental savings plan, which can save you 10-60% on your dental care needs now. Plus, there’s no waiting! So, you can get that check-up in before the holidays!

Learn more about dental savings plans here.