The Ides of March is a phrase taken from William Shakespeare’s famous play, Julius Caesar, and it is often used in a gloomy connotation due to a series of rattling events that occurred on March 15th throughout the centuries. While food isn’t typically thought of in a negative connotation, there are several holidays in the month of March that involve food that can pose a risk to your oral health. From Pi Day to International Waffle Day, to St. Patrick’s Day, there are a myriad of opportunities to eat and drink less than healthy foods and beverages. Keep reading to learn some of the ones you may want to “beware of,” and how to keep your teeth in good condition if you do choose to indulge.
Foods to Watch Out for During the Month of March
Whether it’s a green beer for St. Patty’s or a warm slice of apple pie to celebrate the wonders of mathematics, your teeth undergo some pretty strenuous stuff during the month of March. Here are some specific foods and drinks to watch out for this month while you celebrate:
- Color-dyed drinks or desserts: Beer isn’t naturally green, and the icing on the shamrock-shaped cookies was probably white at first. Dark-colored food dyes can stain the enamel on your teeth if you don’t clean them properly. It’s also important to note that the more plaque build-up you have, the worse the stains will appear because the dye will have something to stick to.
- Pie: People eat it on “Pi Day” for a reason! Chocolate, blueberry, you name it…Pie is delicious but high in sugar content. On top of the sticky substances that often fill pies, the starch from the crust makes matters worse. Both will cling to your teeth and increase the risk of cavities.
- Cookies and Candy: St. Patrick’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without a frosted green cupcake or a handful of golden milk chocolate coins. These may be tasty, but like pie, they are filled with sugar.
- Alcohol: Holidays are notorious for involving alcohol to some degree, and St. Patrick’s Day tends to be one that people drink a lot during. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a drink or two but watch out for alcoholic beverages like wine and beer that can be high in acid content. If not rinsed off thoroughly, the acid can wear down tooth enamel over time, making you more susceptible to decay and breakage.
You don’t have to miss out on the fun of celebrating holidays in the month of March. If you plan to partake in a piece of pie or enjoy an evening out drinking and making merry with friends, try to pack some floss and mouthwash so that you can take a moment to clean your teeth. As always, you can also talk to your dentist about the best ways to enjoy life while still keeping your smile shining brightly.
About the Author
Dr. M. Faizan Ali and Dr. Naira T. Kraipak at Plush Dentistry have one priority, and that is to provide the highest quality of dental care possible to each of their patients. They believe that great oral health starts with the knowledge of how to properly care for your teeth and gums. Both of them have been working in the field of dentistry for nearly fifteen years, and they can’t wait to serve your smile. You can schedule an appointment online or call (469) 850-0786.