When you’re spending quality time with friends and family this holiday season, your oral health is probably the last thing on your mind. This is unfortunate, because with the holidays come lots of sweet treats that can wreak havoc on your teeth. To counteract this, here are 6 holiday oral health tips from your dentist in Weatherford.
1. Stick to a Routine
The holiday season might be busy, but that’s no excuse to neglect your oral hygiene. Make brushing and flossing at home a priority. Most people find it easiest to brush first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. Make sure to floss before bed as well.
2. Care for Your Teeth After Eating
It’s always a good idea to brush your teeth after eating, but it isn’t always possible. When you can’t brush, or at least rinse with mouthwash, then chew sugar-free gum. Doing so stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away excess food particles that could cause tooth decay and gum disease. It also strengthens your teeth and neutralizes acids created by bacteria in your mouth.
3. Stay Away from Chewy Treats
When it comes to developing cavities, how much sugar you eat doesn’t matter as much as how long that sugar is allowed to remain on your teeth. Sticky foods like dried fruit, gummy candy, and caramel stay attached to your teeth for long periods of time, unless you brush right afterwards. They leave behind a sticky residue, attracting bacteria that cause tooth decay.
4. Avoid Hard Candy
Hard items like candy canes and peppermint bark are incredibly popular during the holiday season, but they can spell disaster for your pearly whites. Like sticky candy, these treats also leave a sugary residue on your teeth that can lead to cavities. It’s also possible to chip or break your teeth on these items. For the sake of your oral health, it’s best to avoid hard candies altogether.
5. Use a Nutcracker
It might look cool to crack nuts with your teeth, but you know what certainly doesn’t look cool? Having a chipped tooth and needing an emergency visit to the dentist. Leaving the nutcracking to the professionals!
6. Make an Appointment with Your Dentist
Diligent brushing and flossing unfortunately isn’t always enough to keep your mouth free from gum disease and cavities. You also have to see your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. At these appointments, your dentist can get your teeth nice and clean, and treat you for any underlying conditions.
The holiday season is usually the only time of year when everyone is home. Therefore, it’s the perfect time of year to schedule dental appointments for the whole family. That way, everyone can start the new year off with a bright, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Novak has earned Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry more than two decades ago now. He and his experienced dental team are very professional, but also incredibly fun and lively. When you visit your dentist in Weatherford, you can expect a fun time while you’re improving your smile. To learn more, click here to contact Dr. Novak’s office.