Holiday sweets and your smile: Christmas treats to avoid and better options

Christmas is a season filled with celebration, family gatherings, and plenty of festive treats. From office cookie exchanges to stockings full of sweets, it’s easy for sugar to take center stage. While enjoying holiday candy in moderation is perfectly normal, certain sweets can be especially challenging for your teeth, gums, and dental restorations.

Whether you have natural teeth, dentures, or dental implants, here’s what to know about holiday candy and how to keep your smile healthy all season long.

Why certain candies can harm your teeth & implants

Not all sweets affect the mouth the same way. The texture, stickiness, and amount of time sugar stays in contact with your teeth all play a role in how your smile responds.  

Sugar’s role in tooth decay 

Sugar itself doesn’t directly damage teeth but the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that can weaken enamel and exposed root surfaces over time. Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks can keep these acids active for longer periods, increasing the risk of decay on natural teeth.

Sticky, chewy, and hard textures: why they matter 

Certain textures make holiday candies more likely to cause problems: 

• Sticky candies  cling to teeth and can be difficult for saliva to wash away. 

• Chewy sweets  may get trapped between teeth or around dental work. 

• Hard candies  often stay in your mouth longer, giving sugar more contact time and biting them can fracture both natural teeth and restorations. 

• Gummy textures  and caramels can pull at dental work or be difficult to clean away.
   

For people with dental implants, these candies don’t damage the implant itself, but they can still affect the restorations, surrounding tissues, hygiene, and comfort while eating.

The worst Christmas candies for your teeth 

While all treats can be enjoyed occasionally, these holiday favorites tend to be tougher on smiles:  

• Candy canes & peppermint sticks: They dissolve slowly, meaning sugar stays in the mouth for a long time. Biting down can also place unnecessary pressure on teeth or restorations. 

• Peppermint bark: This seasonal treat often combines hard chocolate layers with brittle peppermint pieces both of which can be challenging for biting and chewing. 

• Toffee and caramels: Sticky candies cling to teeth and can be difficult to remove, especially around bridges, crowns, or implant-supported teeth. 

• Gumdrops, gummy trees & other chewy candies: The gummy texture sticks easily between teeth, trapping sugar and increasing the chance of plaque buildup. 

• Hard mints and lollipops: Like candy canes, these sweets keep sugar in your mouth for long periods. Chewing them can also stress dental restorations or natural tooth enamel.
  
  

Enjoying these treats once in a while is fine, just pair them with good oral care habits to help protect your smile. 

Smile-friendly holiday treat alternatives 

If you're assembling snack boards, baking for friends, or filling stockings, consider including treats that are less likely to cling to teeth, can be easily washed away and don’t hang around the mouth for long periods. 

• Dark chocolate (in moderation): It melts quickly, rinses away easily, and typically contains less sugar than milk chocolate. 

• Nut butters or soft nut-based cookies: These offer protein and healthy fats that support energy without excessive stickiness. 

• Sugar-free treats or xylitol gum: Look for options sweetened with xylitol, which cannot be digested by tooth causing bacteria while freshening breath. 

• Fresh fruit trays with holiday flair: Crisp apples, pears, berries, and orange slices can add natural sweetness to your celebrations and are cleansing to your teeth. 

• Cheese boards & festive protein-rich snacks: Cheese brings calcium to your tooth surface and pairs well with fruit, crackers, and nuts for a balanced holiday platter. 

Oral care tips for the holiday season 

Good oral habits make a big difference, especially during a season filled with sweets and snacking. 

• Rinse or brush after sweets: If brushing right away isn’t possible, rinse with water to help wash away lingering sugars. 

• Don’t use teeth to open wrappers: It may be tempting, especially when handing out stocking stuffers—but teeth aren’t tools. Use scissors to avoid putting stress on natural teeth or restorations. 

• Stay hydrated & limit constant snacking: Sipping water helps neutralize acids and rinse your mouth. 
   

Try to enjoy treats in one sitting rather than grazing all day to give the acid environment of your mouth and enamel time to recover.

Holiday Oral Health FAQs

Can I eat candy if I have dental implants? 

Yes—many patients with dental implants enjoy sweets in moderation. Implants won’t decay, but sticky or hard candies can still make cleaning more difficult and put strain on your implant restorations. Your ClearChoice team can help you understand what’s best for your situation.

What sweets are safest for your teeth? 

Treats that melt quickly or rinse away easily, like dark chocolate, are generally easier on your smile than sticky, gummy, or hard candies. 

Is it better to eat sweets all at once or spread out? 

It’s often better to enjoy sweets with a meal rather than snacking throughout the day. This limits how long sugar remains in contact with your teeth and the other food you chew actually assists in “scrubbing” your teeth. 

How soon should I brush after eating sugar? 

Rinsing with water right away is a great first step to wash away the sugar in your mouth.  Brushing removes the plaque and bacteria that form a film on your teeth.  Brushing your teeth disrupts the bacteria as it digests the sugar, so it is not dumping the acid directly on the teeth.  Plaque and bacteria is ideally brushed away twice a day.   

Are sugar-free candies safer for your teeth? 

Sugar-free candies may reduce exposure to sugar, but some acidic flavors or sticky textures can still be challenging. Look for xylitol-based options when possible. 

Take care of your smile this holiday season 

Enjoying holiday treats is part of the season but with the right habits, you can protect your teeth and feel confident throughout every celebration. If you're considering dental implants or want guidance on caring for your smile, your ClearChoice Dental Implant Center team is here to help. 

Book a consultation and meet your full care team under one roof. 

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. Always consult your ClearChoice dental team for care guidance specific to your needs.