There are quite a few holidays in March, from well-known ones such as St. Patrick’s Day to those that aren’t talked about as often like National Pi day. When taking part in these celebrations, it’s important to remember that many of them are less than ideal for your oral health. If you want to prevent dental problems, you need to be careful not to overindulge in foods that are bad for your teeth. Below are examples of March holidays that could potentially put your smile at risk.
March 1st: Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
Who hasn’t enjoyed a peanut butter sandwich plenty of times? Unfortunately, many kinds of peanut butter contain high levels of sugar, which can lead to cavities. And since peanut butter is so sticky, it can end up staying on your teeth, meaning the sugar remains in your mouth longer. If you decide to celebrate Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, clean your mouth afterward by drinking water and brushing thoroughly.
March 14th: National Pi Day
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th – as in, 3/14. Many people use the occasion as an excuse to enjoy an actual pie. Of course, it goes without saying that many pies are high in sugar content, meaning they can easily cause problems for your teeth. Furthermore, pies made from acidic fruits (such as key lime pies or lemon meringue pies) could weaken and wear away your enamel.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a treat once in a while. Just make sure that you don’t overindulge when it comes to pie and other sugary snacks.
March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day
Part of the festivities for St. Patrick’s Day is to enjoy all kinds of green foods, from green eggs to green ice cream. However, when you eat a lot of food with green food coloring, you might end up with a green tint on your smile. In some cases, it may be possible to remove the discoloration by flossing and using whitening toothpaste. If that doesn’t work, reach out to your dentist; a routine cleaning or professional whitening procedure might help.
March 25th: Waffle Day
Most people enjoy their waffles with plenty of maple syrup. Sadly, the sticky nature and high sugar content of many kinds of syrup can make them very damaging to your teeth. The good news is that there are sugar-free and low-sugar syrups out there; see if you can find any the next time you go to the store so that you can enjoy Waffle Day to the fullest while minimizing the risk to your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Walter Mick has been providing excellent, complete dental care for Reynoldsburg patients for more than 30 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University School of Dentistry in 1987, and he is currently a member of the Ohio Dental Association and various other organizations. At Mick Family Dental Care, he offers preventive checkups and cleanings along with many other dental treatments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mick, visit his website or call (614) 864-4618.