We’re in the thick of it now – the holiday season is here! It’s such a busy time of year with so much we need to do and so much we want to enjoy, it’s easy to let some of our usually healthy habits fade a bit during the holidays. Even with so many festive treats to eat and drink this season, there are ways to enjoy all the treats and still spare your teeth.
Keep an Eye Out for These Holiday Culprits!
- Sugary Treats – Gingerbread cookies, eggnog and fruitcake! So fun to indulge in but sticky and sugary for your teeth. Make sure to brush after eating these and all of those other deliciously sticky culprits that pop up this time of year!
- Using Your Teeth as Tools – Tearing open that stubborn wrapper or plastic tag with your chompers or giving an extra twist to that impossible to open bottle cap with your teeth does not make for a happy mouth. And don’t forget, nutcrackers aren’t just a holiday decoration – they can be a tooth saver! Stick to the scissors and bottle openers to open those tricky containers and bottles!
Some Holiday Tips
- A Little Goes a Long Way – As with so many things, moderation is often the key. You don’t need to skip the tasty treats and sweet drinks, just practice moderation. It isn’t necessarily how much you eat that affects the health of your teeth as how often you are nibbling and sipping and exposing your teeth to the harmful bacteria and acids present in certain foods.
- Routine is Your Friend – Brushing after meals and snacking as well as practicing overall good dental measures goes a long way in combating dental damage. Brushing after eating sugary and carbohydrate-heavy foods is the best way to combat the bacteria that attacks your teeth. For acidic foods such as oranges and lemons, it is best to rinse with water or eat a natural acid fighter like cheese that helps maintain the natural acid balance and help reduce the chances of developing tooth decay.
A few simple steps and a bit of mindfulness when you are partaking in all the delicious flavors this season has to offer goes a long way in preventing tooth decay!
Note: Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified dental and medical health providers with questions you may have regarding your specific dental or medical conditions.
