ENID, OK - The holidays are a time of family gatherings and food! With holiday meals there is also plenty of desserts and candy. Here are a few holiday tips to keep your teeth in tip-top shape during the holiday season.
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Enjoying the company of friends and family for hours is an important part of the holidays, but try to avoid snacking or dragging meals out too long. Continuing to expose your teeth to the acids in food makes it easier for cavity-causing bacteria to build up in your mouth. Instead of passing the time by munching, focus on sharing stories, watching movies, or playing games.
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Drink lots of water, especially when you’re eating rich, sweet foods. Staying hydrated can help wash away debris and prevent plaque formation. In addition to providing a light rinse for your mouth between bites, drinking water helps improve your saliva flow, which further fights cavities. Water is also an excellent replacement for more damaging drink options like juice or soda.
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About thirty minutes after you’ve finished eating (so that your teeth have time to produce important protective minerals), be sure to sneak away to brush and floss. If brushing your teeth proves difficult at another person’s house or you forget your toothbrush, at least try to floss. You can also bring sugar free gum to chew after the meal, which could help wipe away leftover food particles on your teeth, improve your saliva flow, and assist with your digestion.
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Cranberry relishes are a dentist’s worst nightmare; they’re acidic, sweet, and stick to your teeth for hours to come, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to infect your gums and eat through your enamel. Other sticky offenders are pecan pie and mashed potatoes. If one of these is your favorite, just make sure you swish with water after eating and brush your teeth to wipe away the gummy remains.
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We all know the holiday season can be bad for your weight, but the desserts and long meals are also tough on your teeth. Winter is the perfect time to schedule a cleaning appointment. A hygienist can scrub your teeth and a dentist can check up on your mouth for any signs of disease. Try to prevent issues before they become more uncomfortable or costly.
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Holiday Dental Tips
