Holiday Survival Guide for Dental Health
How to keep your smile merry and bright this December
The holidays are a time for joy, family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! But as we indulge in festive treats and enjoy all the wonderful things this season has to offer, it’s important to remember to take care of our teeth. While it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday hustle, a little extra care will keep your smile shining bright through it all.
Here’s our Holiday Survival Guide to help you keep your teeth healthy and your smile merry this season:
- Don’t Skip Your Brushings!
It’s easy to get distracted during the busy holiday season, but it’s essential to stick to your regular oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day for two minutes helps remove plaque and food particles that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. We recommend using a fluoride-free toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, which helps remineralize your enamel without the risks associated with fluoride.
Even when you’re out of town or attending parties, always make time to brush. And don’t forget to floss! This will help ensure your teeth stay healthy and sparkling throughout the holiday festivities.
- Rinse After Sweets
Between the candy canes, cookies, pies, and all the other sweets that come with the holiday season, our mouths can take a hit! After indulging in sugary treats, rinse your mouth with water or a non-alcoholic mouthwash like TheraBreath. Rinsing helps wash away food particles and sugars, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Swishing water in your mouth after eating also helps maintain a healthy balance in your mouth’s microbiome, preventing bad bacteria from causing harm to your teeth and gums.
- Choose Tooth-Friendly Snacks
While holiday treats are abundant, you can still make tooth-friendly snack choices to balance out the indulgence. Fresh veggies, nuts, and cheese are great options. Cheese, for example, can help neutralize acids in the mouth and stimulate saliva flow, which naturally protects your enamel.
Nuts like almonds are high in calcium and magnesium, both of which support strong teeth, and crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can help scrub your teeth as you chew.
- Drink Water
While eggnog, hot chocolate, and holiday cocktails are festive favorites, it’s easy to forget about the importance of drinking water. Staying hydrated with water not only benefits your overall health but also supports your oral health.
Water helps wash away food particles and acids, while also promoting healthy saliva production. Try to keep a water bottle handy during parties and meals, so you can sip between drinks to keep your mouth clean and fresh.
- Limit Sticky and Hard Candies
We all love a good holiday treat, but some of the most popular sweets are tough on our teeth. Sticky candies like caramel and taffy can get stuck in between your teeth, leading to plaque buildup, while hard candies can cause cracked or chipped teeth if bitten down on too hard.
If you can’t resist these festive treats, make sure to enjoy them in moderation, and always brush your teeth afterward to minimize any damage. If you’re looking for a healthier treat, try dark chocolate instead—it contains antioxidants and is easier on your teeth!
- Use Mouthguards for Sports and Activities
The holidays bring not just feasts, but fun family activities too! Whether it’s a friendly game of touch football, a round of family ice skating, or hitting the slopes for some skiing, make sure your teeth are protected.
Wearing a mouthguard during any high-impact activity, like sports, can help prevent dental injuries. If you’re unsure of which mouthguard is best for you, talk to our office about custom options that can provide the perfect fit.
- Don’t Forget Your Regular Checkups!
As the year winds down, now’s a great time to schedule a checkup or cleaning if you haven’t already. If you have dental benefits that you haven’t fully used yet, make sure to book an appointment before the end of the year to get the most out of your plan.
End-of-year appointments are a great way to ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape before you start the new year. Plus, you can leave 2023 with a smile you’ll be proud to show off at all your holiday parties!
- Holiday Traditions and Your Oral Health
Holidays are all about traditions, and for many, coffee, tea, or hot cocoa are an essential part of the season. But did you know that these drinks can stain your teeth over time? Try to enjoy them in moderation, and consider sipping through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Additionally, take care to rinse your mouth with water after drinking these beverages to prevent staining and protect your enamel.
- Give the Gift of a Healthy Smile
The holidays are the perfect time to treat your loved ones to something special. Consider gifting a dental care kit, including a high-quality toothbrush, hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and mouthwash. Or, give the gift of a dental checkup or whitening treatment to keep your family members’ smiles bright for the new year.
Wrapping Up: A Healthy Smile for the New Year
At Dr. E’s Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we want you to enjoy the holidays to the fullest. With a little extra attention to your oral care, you can indulge in all the delicious treats and fun activities that the season has to offer, while keeping your smile healthy and bright.
This holiday season, remember: a healthy smile is a happy smile! If you need to schedule an appointment or have questions about maintaining a healthy smile through the holidays, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Happy Holidays from Dr. E’s Cosmetic & Family Dentistry!
At Dr. E’s Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we’re committed to providing you with the best care all throughout the year. Don’t let the holidays get in the way of your dental health!
Ready to schedule your next checkup? Call or text us today at 📞 480-494-2435!
Contact us for comments or questions: https://drefamilydental.com/contacts/
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