It’s the holiday season and a time to enjoy the food, joy, and company of those around us, but it can also take a toll on the health of our teeth. Here are the top 5 tips for dental care during the holiday season:
1. Drink Water: Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s especially important for dental health. Drinking water helps keep teeth clean and can reduce the chance of cavities. Water also helps reduce the risk of bad breath and dry mouth, both of which could make holiday celebrations more uncomfortable. The main culprit when it comes to dental cavities is sugar. During the holiday season, it’s especially easy to overindulge on sweet treats like candy, cakes, and cookies. If you must indulge in the delicious holiday treats, make sure to brush and floss afterwards to minimize the damage and decrease your chances of developing cavities.
2. Reduce Sugar Consumption: Sugary snacks are a holiday staple. It’s ok to indulge in them here and there, but try to limit how much sugar you consume since it’s the number one cause of tooth decay. Instead, reach for water-based snacks like crunchy vegetables or a fruit bowl. During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in all the festivities and forget to keep up with a regular brushing and flossing routine. However, it’s important to maintain a regular dental care routine in order to keep your teeth healthy and decay-free. Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day, and schedule visits to the dentist if needed.
3. Brush and Floss: This one is a no-brainer, but it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and forget about brushing and flossing. To avoid this, make sure you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and reduce chances of dental decay. During the holiday season, make sure to include fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash in your dental care routine.
4. Visit Your Dentist: Schedule a visit to your dentist early in the season and get your teeth checked out. This gives your dentist a chance to assess your current dental health, diagnose any potential problems, and provide solutions that can help maintain a healthy smile. Chewing sugarless gum after meals can help to reduce the levels of plaque and acidity in your mouth and prevent cavities. Sugarless gum containing xylitol can also help to stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to wash away the bacteria in your mouth and reduce the risk of decay.
5. Eat Healthy: Eating a balanced diet is important for oral health, and that’s especially true during the holiday season. Avoid processed and sugary snacks, and opt for more healthy options like fresh fruits and vegetables. Lean proteins and probiotic-rich foods are great for teeth and gums and can curb cravings for unhealthy foods. Keeping your body hydrated is important for overall health and it also helps to keep your teeth healthy. Make sure to keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during the holiday season. This helps to ensure that your mouth is getting the fluids it needs to stay healthy and prevent tooth decay.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy during the holiday season and enjoy a cavity-free holiday season. Remember to brush and floss regularly, limit your consumption of sugary treats and snacks, use fluoridated dental products, and stay hydrated. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your dental health in check, no matter how busy the holiday season is!
