As the winter chill arrives, so do the holiday festivities. In the midst of the sparkle and glow of the season, it might seem difficult to think about the health of your teeth and gums. However, we want to make it easy for you! That’s why we’re sharing a few easy-to-remember oral health tips for the holidays:
- Limit your sugar intake.
Desserts! Cookies! Candies! Oh my! Unfortunately, all that sugar can harm your teeth. When sugar mixes with saliva and bacteria in your mouth, it creates plaque that clings to your teeth. As a result, that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. So, limit how many sweet treats you enjoy.
If you decide to indulge, make sure not to make it an all-day grazing habit and sip water between treats. Brush your teeth about an hour after eating too.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools.
Your teeth shouldn’t be used to open packages, bottles, or anything else. By doing so, you run the risk of chipping, cracking, or even dislodging a tooth. In fact, that’s how many dental emergencies happen! So, go the extra mile and get a pair of scissors or a bottle opener.
- Enjoy healthy foods for your teeth.
Balance out the sweets with healthy food choices. Keep an eye out for any vegetable dishes or sides or lean proteins like turkey or chicken. All of those have nutrients that increase the strength of your teeth.
- Sip water between meals.
Water is one of the best things you can drink during the day. It washes away food particles from your teeth and prevents dry mouth. If you have a hard time with water, consider adding berries or citrus to your water to give it flavor. However, don’t add anything sugary to your water, otherwise, you’ll eliminate any of its benefits.
- Chew sugar-free gum during the day.
Sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol is excellent for your oral health. It removes food particles from your teeth and freshens your breath. It also increases the saliva production in your mouth which is great for your oral health. Plus, if you have a hard time cutting down on sweets, gum has been shown to cut down on sugar cravings.
We hope these oral health tips have prepared you for the holiday season! Don’t forget to schedule a checkup before the year ends too! We’d love to discuss your new year smile goals with you and give you a beautiful smile for 2023.
Call Contemporary Dentistry and Implantology at 978-278-1760 for a dental appointment in Peabody, MA or request an appointment online.