During the holiday season, it seems like everyone you know wants you to sample their homemade, seasonal treats. It may be tempting to fill up on cookies, cakes, pies, and other holiday delicacies, but doing so can do a lot of damage to your teeth. So, what can you do to protect your mouth while still enjoying the most wonderful time of the year? Read on to learn how you can protect your oral health from holiday foods this season.
Tip #1: Brush
Brushing your teeth is always an important part of maintaining good oral health. But, with the increased numbers of sweets at your disposal, it’s arguably even more important during the holidays. Brush your teeth at least twice per day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help strengthen your enamel and protect your pearly whites from harm.
Tip #2: Floss
Floss at least once per day to remove food, bacteria, and plaque that’s gotten stuck between your teeth. This will lessen your chances of developing cavities and other oral health issues. Consider flossing between meals to remove food as soon as it gets stuck between your pearly whites. Additionally, you may want to keep a kit with a travel-sized toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste nearby so you can clean your teeth no matter where you are.
Tip #3: Drink Water
Drinking water will wash away sugar and oral bacteria. It will also keep your mouth moist and prevent oral health issues such as increased plaque levels, tooth decay, mouth sores, gum disease, and cracked lips from developing.
Tip #4: Skip Sugary and Sticky Foods
Candy, caramel apples, taffy, and other sticky, sweet treats are abundant during the holidays. The stickiness makes them difficult to wash away, and the sweetness gives harmful oral bacteria plenty to feast on. The acids these bacteria release will erode your tooth enamel and put you at a higher risk for decay. Eat dark chocolate or sugar-free candy instead to satisfy your sweet tooth while causing minimal damage to your oral health. Both of these treats are easier to wash away, and sugar-free candy increases saliva production, which gives oral bacteria fewer opportunities to harm your teeth.
Tip #5: Eat Protein
Foods like rolls, pasta, and mashed potatoes are starchy and high in carbs. They break down into sugar during digestion, which means they damage your teeth in the same way as desserts. Pile your plate full of meats like lean beef, turkey, chicken, and fish. You can pair them with high-protein veggies like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, peas, and broccoli.
Save your teeth from harm this holiday season by following these five steps. Not only will this keep you from needing to get restorative dental work done, but it will also allow you to spend more time with the people you love and make memories that will last a lifetime!
About the Practice
Dr. Christine D. Laster and her team of dental health professionals are here to help the residents of Raleigh and the surrounding communities keep their teeth healthy this holiday season. They offer the best care around to patients of all ages and do whatever they can to make sure you’re comfortable during your appointments. Visit their website or call (919) 787-0355 to learn more about keeping your teeth healthy during the holidays or to make an appointment.