The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it means increased consumption of sweet treats. Although these temptations can be hard to resist, they don’t necessarily have to spell disaster for your pearly whites. There are ways to keep your smile healthy throughout the holiday season. Keep reading to learn a few of these tips from your dentist.
Don’t Overdo It with the Candy
It’s common to lay out a tray of sweets for others to consume around the holidays, but constantly munching on candy or cookies can wreak havoc on your teeth. You don’t have to skip out on them completely, but remember that consuming them in moderation is key here. Consume a single dessert item and then brush your teeth right afterwards. That will expose your teeth to less sugar, thus reducing your risk of tooth decay.
Use a Nutcracker, Not Your Teeth, to Crack Nuts
Although it can be tempting to try and look cool by cracking open a nut with your teeth, it can actually cause some serious damage. If you don’t have a nutcracker or other tool on hand, simply choose a different snack. It’s not worth breaking your tooth just to look cool.
Keep Your Oral Hygiene Routine
The holidays can be hectic, and that can make it easy to forget to brush and floss on a regular basis. However, in order to keep your mouth clean and healthy, you should brush twice a day and floss once a day. Set a reminder on your phone to do so every morning and night if you forget. If brushing your teeth isn’t an option, pack some sugar-free gum in your purse or pockets to chew after a meal or snack. Doing so stimulates the production of saliva, which helps clean your mouth out of detrimental bacteria.
Visit Your Dentist
If you have a regular dental checkup during the holiday season, consider it a give from your past self for scheduling it during this time. Your dentist can catch small problems, like cavities, now before they turn into larger issues, like root canals or even tooth extractions, down the road. The dental hygienists can also make sure your teeth are clean and shining bright just in time for family holiday pictures.
With these holiday tips from your dentist, your pearly whites can stay merry and bright this holiday season.
About the Author
Dr. Amy Farrell earned her doctorate at the University of Maryland Dental School. Then, she completed a General Practice Residency at Abington Memorial Hospital. Now, she practices at NeoSmile Dental Care in Spring House, PA. She cares about each and every patient as if they were a member of her own family. To learn more holiday oral care tips, you can contact her practice by clicking here.
