5 Ways to Protect Your Gums From Holiday Treats

From Halloween candy to Thanksgiving pies and holiday cookies, there’s no denying that every month in the fall is loaded with holiday treats. 

The not-so-great part? All that candy and sugar can do a number on your gums. Sticky caramels, sour gummies, and hard candies may taste delicious, but they can feed harmful bacteria that cause gum inflammation, sensitivity, and even periodontal disease. 

That’s why Dr. Jenny Herman and her team at Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, share five dentist-approved ways to protect your gums from holiday treats.

1. Choose your candy wisely

Not all treats are created equal. Sticky candies (think: taffy, caramel, and gummies) cling to your teeth and gums. The sticker the candy, longer the sugar sits in your mouth. 

Bacteria feed on the sugar and can cause cavities, but the acid-producing bacteria can also irritate your gums and contribute to gum recession.

To compound matters, hard candies can crack or chip teeth.

The swap: choose chocolate over hard candies. It dissolves quickly and doesn’t linger as long on your gums.

2. Rinse your teeth 

After enjoying Halloween candy (or any sugary treat for that matter), rinse your mouth with water. This helps flush away sugar and acids that can irritate your gums and feed bacteria. 

Ideally, brush your teeth about 30 minutes after eating sweets. Waiting (just a little bit!) is important because it gives your enamel time to recover from the acid produced by sugar and the bacteria that feed on it. Brush immediately after eating acidic foods, and you run the risk of enamel erosion.

3. Chew sugar-free gum

If you can’t brush right away, chew sugar-free gum with xylitol. It helps stimulate saliva and naturally neutralize acids. 

According to research published in Frontiers in Nutrition, chewing gum with xylitol can reduce dental plaque by 20% and reduce the bacteria that contribute to gum disease by 6.32% over a two-week period.

4. Balance the holiday treats with healthy foods

Your gums need nutrients just as much as your taste buds crave sweets. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery help naturally scrub your teeth. This helps remove the sugar, bacteria, and plaque that have accumulated on the surface of your teeth. (It doesn’t replace brushing, though!)

Foods rich in vitamin C (like oranges and bell peppers) support healthy gum tissue and can help your mouth recover from sugar overload. In fact, if you don’t get enough vitamin C, you’re more likely to experience swollen, bleeding gums.

5. Drink enough water

Sugary snacks and holiday drinks can dry out your mouth, and unfortunately, a dry mouth creates an ideal environment for bacteria. 

Pro tip: Keep a water bottle handy while trick-or-treating or snacking at fall gatherings. 

Don’t brush off any concerns about your gums

The worst thing to do? Ignore the signs of trouble! The earlier you catch gum disease, the better. While gingivitis is reversible, advanced forms of gum disease aren’t. 

The bottom line: speak up if you’re concerned about your gums.

Enjoy a “sweet” season without the gum damage

It’s possible to enjoy Halloween candy and Thanksgiving desserts without compromising your gum health;  it just takes a little balance and a few good habits. 

That being said, if you notice bleeding gums, swelling, or persistent bad breath, it’s time to schedule an oral exam.

At Baton Rouge Perio, Dr. Herman and our team specialize in protecting and restoring gum health throughout the year. Whether you need a deep cleaning, periodontal maintenance, or gum therapy, we’re here to help your smile stay strong long after the candy is gone.

To get started, call 225-769-1444 or click here to schedule an appointment.