Don’t Let the Harmful Effects of Sugar Creep into Your Holidays

Avoiding Sugar Over the Holidays

The harmful effects of sugar can take its toll over the holidays. Indeed, it seems like sugar is tempting you at every turn. From Christmas poems “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with “visions of sugar plums danced in their heads” to boxes of chocolates and candy canes. Through stocking fillers, Christmas gatherings and even presents, sugar wriggles its way into the holiday season.

A Tale that Brings Home the Message of the Harmful Effects of Sugar

Sugar wasn’t always an integral part of societies. In fact, sugar didn’t find its way to England until the 11^th century. Even then, sugar was expensive and only the wealthy could afford it. Yet, by the time Queen Elizabeth, the first, came to rule (in the 16^th> century), sugar was very popular among the aristocracy.

According to tudordynasty.com, the West and East Indies, Morocco and Barbary imported sugar to Tudor England. Eventually, the widespread use of sugar led to lost and blackened teeth from decay. To make matters worse, Queen Elizabeth had a fear of dentists. Of course, back in those days they were called “barber-surgeons” and didn’t have the training or knowledge of modern-day dentists. The excessive amounts of sugar she ate combined with her fear of dentists led to a mouth full of rotting and missing teeth. As a result, foreign ambassadors even commented about her speech. She had lost so many teeth that when she spoke, she was difficult to understand.

Ironically, the common people couldn’t afford sugar and for the most part had healthy teeth. But to mimic the aristocracy, some of them would blacken their teeth.

Make Healthy Food Choices Over the Holidays

As much as possible over the holidays, you should avoid sugary drinks and foods. If you do eat sugar, be sure to make it part of a meal. Also, drink plenty of water, which can wash away food particles and bacteria. Of course, maintain good dental hygiene through daily brushing and flossing.

Eat well, take care of your teeth and enjoy the holidays.

Hutto Hippo Family Dental wants to wish you a happy holiday season!