Holiday Dental Tips – Healthy Teeth To Do’s & Don’ts

The holidays are a time for happiness, festivity, and overindulgence. It’s tempting to indulge in the delectable delicacies and let loose, but it’s important to remember your oral health. The celebrations don’t need to harm your teeth! Columbia Family Dentistry will help go over some dos and don’ts to help you keep your smile bright and healthy all year long.

Do’s:

Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine: It’s crucial to maintain your regular oral hygiene regimen even throughout the hectic holiday season. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss once a day. Don’t allow the festive spirit to serve as a justification for disregarding your dental health.

Choose Smart Snacking: At holiday get-togethers, go for snacks that are gentle on teeth. Incorporate naturally teeth-cleaning crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and celery. Cheese is also a great option because it gives you the necessary calcium and balances the acid in your mouth.

Stay Hydrated: In addition to being vital for general health, water is also necessary for sustaining dental health. Especially after ingesting festive beverages, drinking water helps wash away food particles, lessens acidity in the mouth, and keeps you hydrated.

Use a Straw for Sugary Drinks: If you enjoy sugar-filled drinks, you might want to use a straw. It lowers the amount of sweet liquid that comes into touch with your teeth and lowers the chance of cavities. Don’t forget to sip water concurrently to help wash sweets away.

Practice Moderation: Take small amounts of festive sweets. It’s crucial to be aware of the amount and frequency of your indulgences rather than denying yourself. If you must indulge in sweets, do it after eating when saliva production is higher and helps to counteract acidity.

 Don’ts:

Avoid Excessive Sugar: Although it can be difficult to resist the abundance of sugary goodies during the holidays, consuming too much sugar can result in cavities. Reduce the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume, and watch out for hidden sugars in processed foods.

Watch Out for Staining Foods: Berries, coffee, red wine, and other dark-colored foods and beverages can leave stains on your teeth. If you decide to indulge in these treats, remember to hydrate your tongue with water afterward. If discoloration starts to become an issue, professional teeth whitening is a possibility.

Beware of Chewy and Sticky Treats: Sticky snacks and candies can stick to your teeth, giving bacteria a place to grow. Steer clear of excessively sticky candies like taffy and caramels as they might aggravate cavities and tooth decay.

Limit Acidic Foods: Over time, tooth enamel erosion can occur from acidic meals and beverages, including citrus fruits and sodas. Take note of how these acidic delicacies affect your teeth as you enjoy them. After consuming, think about washing your mouth with water.

Commit to a Healthy Holiday Smile: Schedule Your Post-Festivity Checkup Now!

With a little care and moderation, it is quite possible to keep your smile healthy over the holidays. You may celebrate the holidays without jeopardizing your dental health if you follow these do’s and stay away from the don’ts. Having healthy teeth is a present that never goes out, and you can make sure they stay that way well into the new year by adopting a few easy routines. Contact New Columbia Dentistry in Columbia for more details.