There are holiday parties, presents to buy and wrap, and don’t even mention the decorations in and out the house! Although the very last thing that’s probably on your mind is your teeth, you must care for your smile during the holidays. Your dentist is here to share a few helpful tips to keep your oral health up to par during the end of the year.
Your Oral Health’s Nemesis: Sugar and Tooth Decay
Many people may not realize that the biggest threat to your smile is sugar. Tooth decay is a condition that’s developed from harboring bad dental bacteria, leftover food, and lingering sugars that eventually turn into acid in your mouth. When a patient doesn’t take the time to systematically remove all of the bad substances within the mouth, the mixture attacks the enamel of the teeth and can lead to serious dental problems like erosion, sensitivity, and cavities. Before you know it, you’ll see discoloration in certain areas of the mouth from tooth decay, irritation, and probably bad breath.
Luckily, your dentist wants you to have a beautiful, healthy smile just as much as you do! In fact, your dentist is ready to give you one of the best gifts of the holiday season: tips to keep your teeth in tip-top shape.
Tips to Stay Away from Tooth Decay
- Eat fewer sweets if you can. Although you’re guaranteed to have many sugary options available to you throughout the holiday season, try asking for a second serving of the main dish rather than dessert. Usually, this is higher in protein which is much more beneficial to your mouth than the sugar found in desserts.
- If you have sugar, choose wisely. Instead of hard, sticky candies that get on and in between your teeth, go for items that dissolve quickly, like dark chocolate. Candies that melt in your mouth are easier to rinse down and brush away from your teeth.
- Make sure you brush your teeth. Always keep a toothbrush to brush away foods and plaque after you eat. If you’re consuming foods or beverages that are high in acid, wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth so you don’t scrub your enamel away.
- Keep dental tools with you. You’ll have no excuse to skip brushing and flossing if you always keep extra tools in your bag. It’s easy enough to carry portable flossers in your bag.
- Rinse your mouth periodically. When you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water to remove any acidic substances, leftover food, and acids.
Rely on Your Dentist for Assistance
You can use your holiday vacation time to do more than catch up with friends and family—meet up with your local dentist, too! If you have a break from school or work, be sure to schedule your next appointment soon.
About Our Office
Here at MoreSMILES, we know that everyone can suffer from the harsh effects of sugar on teeth. That’s why we work hard to provide every dental service patients will need to keep their mouth’s in tip-top shape all year long. Now is the perfect time to schedule your routine appointment before the New Year.