The holidays can be the perfect time to enjoy a sweet treat. Sugar cookies, seasonal candy, and fruitcakes are everywhere – and it can be hard to stay away from the many indulgences available this time of year. However, some groups might be more at risk for sweets-related tooth issues than others. Believe it or not, research indicates that the temptation to reach for a holiday sweet can vary slightly based on age. A recent survey using the survey platform Pollfish consulted with 1,000 respondents between the ages of 18 and 54 across the U.S. about their dental habits regarding holiday sweets. Over the holidays, 82% of Americans report eating a sugary treat more than once a week. Out of all those polled, results showed that 29% of Gen X, 31% of Millennials, and 30% of Gen Z indulge in sugary treats daily during the holiday season.
These generational differences in sugar consumption, while seemingly small, may correlate with differing levels of oral health awareness, lifestyle issues, existing dental problems, and other factors. They also may hint at varying oral health outcomes across these different age groups in the long term. No matter what generation you’re part of, it’s important to adopt good dental care habits to mitigate tooth problems.
Generational Trends
There’s more to these generational trends than meets the eye, and though the differences may seem minute, they actually indicate larger trends. Generational shifts in dental health are more complex than simple preferences for certain candies. These variations in dietary habits reflect all kinds of broader patterns that impact oral hygiene practices. By analyzing these generational trends in sweets consumption, we can gain valuable insights into how factors like daily dental hygiene, dietary awareness, and pre-existing oral health conditions (some even due to age) can influence behaviors. With this knowledge, you can learn more about potential gaps in your own dental care and help develop some strategies to address your personal dental needs – even if you have a strong holiday sweet tooth.
Now that we know these trends have more meaning than we thought, let’s dive deeper into the poll results and see what we can learn about holiday sweets and treats.
Gen X
Born between 1965 and 1980, Gen X’s fondness for holiday sweets might include childhood favorites like a figgy pudding or fruit salad. This age group is the least likely to dip into the cookie jar this holiday season, likely because high-sugar diets are typically more common among younger populations. And while the occasional slice of grasshopper pie is unlikely to be too damaging, daily sugar consumption may compound dental problems for many Gen Xers. The Pollfish survey finds that this group, however, reports the fewest changes in their dental health after the holiday season – likely due to more frequent check-ups throughout the year.
From sleep apnea to periodontal disease, Gen X has its own problems when it comes to dental health. If you find that the holiday season is upping your sugar intake to an unhealthy degree, so much so that it’s exacerbating pre-existing dental concerns, consider reducing that intake and combining it with good oral hygiene. Gen X may also benefit from better education about dental care services and treatments – everything from regular professional cleanings to long-term solutions like dental implants, if an individual has one or more missing teeth.
Millennials
Around 31% of Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) also confessed to enjoying a sugary sweet every day during the holiday season. And while this group loves the nostalgic taste of a grocery store lofthouse cookie, a study from the American Association of Endodontists shows that Millennials have worse dental health than generations before them despite being a health-conscious generation. This is due to factors like more snacking, forgetting dental appointments or not scheduling them at all, infrequent flossing, and more. Dental phobias also play a part in this generation’s decreased oral health.
Even if problems now are limited to gingivitis or small cavities, Millennials should be aware that soon, they’ll be facing some of the same dental issues as Gen X. So whether it’s a dental phobia that’s keeping you from your check-up or any other reason, they should make dental check-ups a priority. Maybe they’re not as scary as they seem – and you’ll have the peace of mind of good oral health. Additionally, they can also benefit from cutting back on sugar-laden snacks and replacing them with healthier alternatives, if they find these treats are making their health worse.
Gen Z
Lastly, this survey found that 30% of Gen Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) enjoy seasonal sweets daily during the holidays. According to a study by Bakery & Snacks, this generation is more keen on snacking than other generations in the first place. They’re looking for quick energy boosts to complement busy schedules, and much like their Millennial counterparts, they often snack rather than have three meals per day.
Just like with the other generations, adopting all-around better habits can help Gen Z reduce or avoid dental problems down the line. While this group is the least likely to have age-related dental health problems, they’re also the most likely to not take dental health too seriously for that very reason. Regular brushing and flossing seem like a given, but actually, many people only do it once a day – and sometimes even less. But these simple everyday habits are just a few ways Gen Z individuals can maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, even the most basic insurance plans can include dental care, and professionals can facilitate more open dialogue during regular checkups regarding tooth health tips.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re younger, older, or somewhere in between, one thing’s for certain – sugary treats are a must-have throughout the holiday season, and during this special month, it’s common to splurge a little more than you would the rest of the year. However, if you’re not taking good care of your dental health, a daily indulgence may mean more tooth problems down the line.
It’s not fun to think about, but it’s true; sugars in our food break down the protective enamel layer on our teeth. This damaged enamel can make our teeth more prone to decay and cavities. Over time, tooth decay may result in tooth infections, and these infections can spiral out of control – in the worst-case scenarios, requiring root canals or extractions. But these scary circumstances can be avoided by maintaining good oral health and enjoying sweets in moderation. If you’re experiencing any mouth pain or feel you might have a dental hygiene issue, be sure to consult a professional about the next steps to take.
Methodology of the Study
This survey was launched on November 12, 2024, using a third-party survey platform, Pollfish, and gathered 1,000 responses from a diverse group of participants in the U.S. between the ages of 18 to 54. Respondents were 46% male and 54% female. All respondents were located in the United States, offering insights into the American public’s sugar consumption habits and dental care awareness. The responses from the survey were post-stratified to ensure accuracy and representatives, adjusting for key demographic factors such as age, gender, and location, so the results more closely reflect the broader population’s behaviors and attitudes. This process helps to mitigate any sampling biases and enhances the reliability of the findings.
Disclaimer: Dental health professionals strongly advise against removing healthy teeth for the purpose of getting implants. Dental implants are not a substitute for the strength and longevity of natural teeth. Consult with your dentist if you have any questions about your dental health.
