Let’s face it: you’re far more likely to eat foods during the holiday season that, unfortunately, put your oral health at risk. While most people enjoy biting into a shortbread cookie and chewing on a candy cane, these holiday foods can dramatically increase your risk for cavities and gum disease ahead of the new year. With that in mind, here are 5 tips to protect your smile as you enter the holiday season according to a dentist!
Stay On Top of Your Daily Oral Care Routine
It’s more important than ever to stay consistent when it comes to your brushing and flossing routine during the holidays. With more desserts and other starchy foods becoming more prevalent (whether at work or in your home), your oral care routine is one of your only defenses against tooth decay and gum disease.
Your oral hygiene should consist of brushing twice a day for at least two minutes at a time and flossing once a day. To give yourself even more protection, consider adding a fluoridated oral rinse to your routine as well.
Limit How Much Sugar You Consume
If you plan to enjoy holiday desserts this winter, cutting out as many other sugar-heavy foods is crucial. For example, if you drink soda or sports drinks, replace them with water to protect your smile. Do your best to avoid hard candy as this stays in the mouth for long periods of time. A great replacement is sugarless gum, which kickstarts saliva production. Having enough saliva in your mouth throughout the day is key to loosening food debris stuck in between your teeth.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Oral care is important, but so is eating a balanced diet that contains many fruits, vegetables, and other foods conducive to your long-term oral health. For example, Vitamin C promotes gum health and can be found in citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli and spinach, while calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese help promote strong tooth enamel and bones. Try to incorporate mouth-friendly foods into every meal.
Avoid Foods That Stick to Teeth
It’s obvious that sticky foods like gummies and taffy are very harmful to teeth because of their texture, but dried fruits can also be problematic. Anything that stays on teeth for long periods of time (especially when they contain lots of sugar) is an immediate red flag. Not only do they become more difficult to remove during brushing, but oral bacteria can easily feed on these food particles throughout the day, producing plaque acids that harm your smile.
Get Regular Dental Checkups
No one wants to deal with a dental emergency in the middle of the holidays. Unfortunately, dental problems can develop without you even realizing it, making routine checkups essential. By staying on top of exams and cleanings, you can catch potential problems before they appear. It’s certainly better than experiencing a toothache right when you’re enjoying a holiday dessert!
Don’t let oral health problems get in the way of your holiday season. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your smile stays healthy well into the new year!
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani goes above and beyond to protect your smile as well as your overall health and well-being. When it comes to the holiday season, she’s more than ready to help you get you scheduled for an appointment ahead of the new year, complete a comprehensive exam and cleaning, and confirm your at-home oral care habits are protecting your smile to the fullest extent. To set up a visit, you can contact her through her website.