If you’re worried about the overwhelming number of sweets coming your way this season, you’re not alone. With tables full of carbohydrates and sugar, you may be wondering what you can do to better protect your smile amid the plethora of holiday foods. Fortunately, a local dentist weighs in on ways you can keep your teeth looking and feeling great while surrounded by family, friends, and festive treats.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene No Matter Where You’re Staying
If traveling for the holidays, make sure you take your toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash with you. These important tools are necessary to keep bad bacteria and food particles from adhering to your teeth and causing a breakdown of your tooth enamel. It’s also important that you continue your normal morning and nighttime routines to ensure you don’t fall victim to bad habits and forgo cleaning your teeth and gums first thing when you wake and immediately before going to bed.
Drink Lots of Water
While soda, coffee, and other holiday favorites may be enticing this time of year, the truth is that all can be extremely harmful to your oral health, especially when sugar is included. Very seldom will you find a festive beverage that doesn’t include an ingredient that can wreak havoc on your smile. Instead, choose water. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also help your salivary glands work at an optimal level, keeping your mouth flushed of any harmful bacteria.
Don’t Use Your Teeth to Open Bottles, Packages, or Containers
If it’s New Year’s Eve and you’re trying to open that bottle of wine, don’t let your teeth be the tools you use to do it. Instead, spend the extra few minutes looking for a wine opener. This will keep your teeth fully intact and prevent you from having to leave your family gathering for a trip to see your emergency dentist. Your teeth are strong but are not designed to be used as tools. They are equipped to chew through food and that’s about it.
Incorporate Veggies onto Your Plate
While it’s natural to want to load your plate with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and other holiday dishes, don’t forget about the vegetables. Best eaten raw because of their ability to clean bacteria and food particles off your teeth, broccoli, carrots, and other healthy options are ideal sources of Vitamin A and can help strengthen your tooth enamel. Also, don’t forget the turkey, as it contains phosphorus and protein, both of which are great for ensuring a stronger, healthier smile.
Feel free to kick back and enjoy all the holidays have to offer, just be mindful of what you can do to ensure the health and longevity of your natural smile well into the coming years.
About the Author
Are you looking for ways to keep your smile healthy this holiday season? Dr. Rina Singh and her team know it can be difficult to say “no” to some of your favorite treats, but if you want to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, make sure you consider the recommended tips she provides to all her patients. From choosing healthier alternatives to drinking plenty of water, you’ll be pleased with how your smile looks and feels when ringing in the new year. Call (717) 761-0283 or visit our website to let us help you prepare for the holidays.