What Are 4 Ways To Make Your Mouth Healthier During The Holiday Season?
- Stay away from constant snacking.
- Cut down on eating sugary foods and drinks.
- Keep up your regular oral hygiene routine.
- Don’t forget your regular appointment with your dentist.
How Does Constant Snacking Affect Your Oral Health?
There’s so much to look forward to during the holidays. You might go out to eat at restaurants for special occasions. Someone may host a party where you can expect to sip mixed cocktails or themed beverages, enjoy snacks and appetizers, and finally sit down to a lovely meal together. However, you should exercise caution when presented with the opportunity to drink and eat throughout the day. This is especially true when it comes to sugary foods and drinks. While saliva works to dilute the leftover sugars in your mouth and sweep away food particles, constant sipping and snacking can leave more sugars and food debris than your natural saliva production can keep up with. This would potentially leave your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay. When sugars are left on the surface of teeth, it attracts harmful bacteria that feed on sugar. As part of their digestive process, they release acid that can gradually erode the enamel layer of teeth and cause cavities, or permanent holes in teeth. A good preventative measure is to stay hydrated and drink water regularly, even when you are out. Drinking water can help wash away leftover food and sugars from all the eating and drinking of the holiday season so that you can help keep your teeth healthy.
Why Should You Choose Veggies and Fruits Instead of Sugary Foods?
Because sugar can cause tooth decay, it makes sense to cut down on all the sugary temptations of the holidays. You don’t need to avoid sugar entirely, but when you are presented with other options, it’s good to make the healthier choice. Fruit and veggie snacks are one such option. You can also look forward to turkey and pumpkin. Nuts and cheeses can be healthy snacks or appetizers, as they are full of nutrients that strengthen teeth.
How Can I Keep Up My Brushing And Flossing Routine During The Holiday Season?
The holiday season can be busy and jam-packed with scheduling. You might work to meet deadlines before it is time to travel to a well-deserved vacation, make time for shopping and gift-giving, or pack up to visit and stay with your loved ones. The logistics and timing of everything can be hectic. It can be tempting to go right to bed because of exhaustion or holiday fun, but remembering to brush your teeth is simply too important. In just 24 hours, plaque can harden into tartar. Tartar can cause bleeding gums and even cause your gum tissue to recede as it builds up. Consider investing in a travel toothbrush and bringing it with you during the holidays. If you forget your toothbrush while traveling, your dental health is worth a stop at the local superstore or pharmacy.
Did You Know That It Is Important To Keep Your Scheduled Dentist Appointments?
Even though you’ve learned ways to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays and the rest of the year, it’s important to keep any scheduled dentist’s office visits. Remember, the general rule of thumb is to visit your dentist twice a year, or once every 6 months–even during the holiday season. Although everyone is busy and ready for rest during the holiday season, it’s important to protect and maintain your smile.
If you are in the Cromwell, CT area and ready for top-of-the-line dentistry, consider Fedorciw, Massoumi & Kolbig for all your general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry needs. To make an appointment with our team, call 860-635-4666 today.
