Mince pies have been hit with a warning (Image: Getty)
They’re one of the best things about the festive season, right up there with Quality Street and mulled wine.
But mince pies could leave you facing an unwelcome hangover in the New Year in the form of a big dental bill.
The pies, made with stewed fruit and spices in a crumbly pastry, are a classic British sweet, with every supermarket getting in on the mince pie rush every Christmas offering variations on the classic from bog standard £1 six-packs right up to boozy, luxury Taste The Difference ranges for three times the price.
offers a standard six pack of mince pies for just £1.25, while Taste The Difference range will set you back £3, while offers a £1.45 box and a more upmarket £2.75 choice.
But whichever you buy this Christmas, dental experts are warning that it could come back to bite you.
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Dr Minoo Ghamari, a dental doctor at has warned that mince pies are dangerous for your teeth in two key ways: they are sticky and they’re high in acid, two aspects which can put your teeth at risk of irreversible harm.
She said: “Mince pies are synonymous with the festive season and are a must for many households.
“Whilst they make us feel like it’s Christmastime, mince pies are another holiday staple that can be tough on your teeth. These small yuletide treats often contain sticky fillings and can be high in acid, which can erode enamel.
“Mince pies can also contain high sugar content, which can lead to cavities and decay if you consume too much. The dried fruits in the filling, such as raisins, currants and sultanas, are not only high in sugar but also acid. Acidic foods can contribute to the erosion of enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.”
She went on to add that this isn’t the only Christmas staple on dental hit-lists. For similar reasons, Christmas pudding is also a concern for dentists.
She continued: “Similarly… Christmas pudding has the combination of dried fruits and high sugar content. Certain Christmas puddings also contain citrus peel, which can be especially acidic to your teeth and contribute to enamel erosion. This festive pudding also runs the risk of sticking to your teeth and causing further damage due to the texture of the desert.”
Of course, there won’t be many of us crossing mince pies and Christmas pudding off our festive shopping lists – but the doctor has advice on how to mitigate the risks.
She added: “If you can’t resist some of these Christmas foods and drinks, there are small steps you can take to reduce the harm that can be done to your teeth.
“Drinking water after eating something which can cause decay or cavities in your teeth can help rinse away acid and sugars, reducing the harm they can do to your teeth. For food like mince pies, you can try pairing these with cheese or milk to help neutralise acids when eating. You should always be wary of biting into hard foods, especially if you have existing dental work which is fragile to damage.
“Brushing your teeth after a meal or drinks is also recommended to mitigate damage that sugars and acids can cause. visiting your dentist for check-ups. With a little care and moderation, you can enjoy your favourite Christmas foods and keep your teeth healthy.”