From Christmas candy canes to date-filled Hanukah rugelach, the holiday season offers many opportunities to satisfy your sugar craving. December 4 marks National Cookie Day, providing yet another excuse to indulge. Before you dig into the cookie jar, however, beware that these sweet treats can harm your smile—and even result in an emergency trip to the dentist if you’re not careful. Here’s what to be aware of when it comes to cookies.

What Cookies to Avoid

Avoid cookies made with hard nuts—if you bite down on one, you risk damaging the protective enamel coating your teeth. People with traditional braces also run the risk of damaging their wires and brackets. Opt for softened almond slivers or peanut butter for your cookie recipe instead. 

Biscuits containing caramel are another threat to a healthy smile. This sticky substance is very difficult to clean off of teeth. If your dentist has given you a filling or a crown, it could even get stuck to the gooey candy and come out. Try using caramel extract to get the flavor you want.

How to Combat Cavities

Even if you steer clear of the more harmful cookies described above, all of these treats tend to be packed with sugar. This attracts the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and can send you to the dentist with a toothache if you aren’t careful.

To mitigate the harmful effects sugar has on your oral health, brush and floss as usual on National Cookie Day. Avoid snacking, which allows a constant layer of sugar to coat your teeth and limit your “celebration” to after dinner when bedtime hygiene isn’t far off.

Ready to get a professional teeth cleaning that will help undo the damage of National Cookie Day this December? Laguna Bond Dental in Elk Grove, CA, can help. Offering a wide array of general and cosmetic dentistry services, these professionals are known for providing top-quality care in state-of-the-art facilities. Every one of their dedicated dentists is a member of the California Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Get a full overview of their offering on their website. To schedule an appointment, call (916) 686-8989.