The holidays are coming up, and that means pies, cookies, and cakes galore! Your teeth are the reason why you can enjoy these holiday foods in Henderson, so don’t you want to make sure they stay strong and healthy throughout the season? Here are five tips to help you make it through the holiday season with your teeth in good shape.
Tip #1: Hydrate
If you do choose to indulge in the sweet drinks and treats your coworkers and family members are begging you to try, make sure to follow up with a glass of water. This will help wash away food particles and harmful oral bacteria so your teeth are less likely to develop cavities.
Tip #2: Brush and Floss
The holidays are often the busiest time of the year, but that’s no excuse to draw back from your usual oral health routine. These are a vital part of removing harmful substances from your teeth, especially when you’re eating more sweet treats than usual. Brush twice and floss at least once per day to keep tooth decay at bay.
Tip #3: Skip Sugary and Sticky Foods
Though they may be tempting, sticky and sweet foods like taffy, caramel apples, candy, cranberry sauce, apple pie, marshmallows, and candy canes can cause serious damage to your teeth. Their stickiness makes them difficult to wash away, and the sweetness gives bacteria ample opportunities to feed on them and damage your tooth enamel. If you have a hankering for something sweet, eat dark chocolate or sugar-free candy instead, which are easier to wash away. As an added bonus, sugar-free candy also increases saliva production which can help keep your mouth well moisturized.
Tip #4: Eat Protein
Rolls and stuffing are delicious, but carb-heavy and starchy foods feed bacteria in the same way as sugar. Instead of chowing down on these cavity-causing foods, fill up on turkey, peas, corn, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and other high-protein vegetables.
Tip #5: Dental Care To-go
Keep a small dental care kit on you so you can use it when you’re away from home. Include toothpaste, a portable toothbrush, and dental floss so you’ll be able to clean your teeth after meals, no matter where you are.
The holidays feature a buffet of sweet and starchy treats, but overindulging can seriously damage your teeth. Follow these five tips and keep snacking to a minimum to prevent an oral health catastrophe so you can enjoy spending time with your family and friends all season long!
About the Practice
Excited about the holidays but not looking forward to all the opportunities for your oral health to suffer at the hands of sugary treats? You’ve come to the right place. Led by Dr. Brett Noorda, Dental Excellence takes pride in offering patients in Henderson and the surrounding communities the trustworthy, effective, and comfortable care they deserve. Enjoy the most wonderful time of year without having to worry about your teeth making it to next year! Visit their website or call (702) 456-7403 to schedule an appointment or for more information on keeping your oral health in check during the holidays.