‘Tis the season for sweets and treats! By maintaining good oral health during the holiday season, you can keep your smile bright and give yourself one of the best gifts of all: healthy teeth!
Holiday parties and events often lead people to eat more sugary treats and beverages than usual. And with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, oral hygiene tends to suffer. If all you want this season is to keep your two front teeth, or all of your teeth for that matter, then check out our dental tips to keep you smiling.
1. Drink Water after Holiday Beverages
Whether red or white, the high acidity levels in wine can eat away at tooth enamel. For kiddos or anyone who doesn’t drink alcoholic beverages, the same goes for sweet holiday drinks like punch. Bacteria in plaque love to feed on residual sugars. To avoid damage, refrain from swishing sweet or acidic drinks around in your mouth, and drink water in between beverages to rinse your teeth of the sugar or acid. Cheers!
2. Go Easy on Sweet Treats
Tooth-decay-causing bacteria in the mouth thrive on the sugars found in candy canes, chocolate, and gingerbread cookies, increasing the likelihood of developing cavities. If you are not able to brush and floss after munching on sweets, drink water or chew a piece of gum with xylitol.
3. Be Mindful of Stress
Holiday anxiety can cause people to grind or clench their teeth, causing jaw pain, headaches, or chipping. Find ways to reduce your anxiety or talk to your dentist about a custom mouth guard to wear while sleeping.
Keep a healthy smile at the top of your wish list. Happy Holidays!
