You have plenty of mouthwatering foods to choose from during the holidays, which can lead to a little weight gain, but that’s not the only concern. The next few weeks can also be a bad time for your dental health. You don’t have to skip the celebrations to keep your smile healthy. Here are 5 tips to enjoy the holidays without ruining your pearly whites.
1. Step Up Your Oral Hygiene
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing every night. However, you’ll probably snack more often during the holidays, which means your teeth will be exposed to cavity-causing bacteria more frequently. Therefore, it’s better to brush after every meal and floss at least once daily. Create an oral hygiene kit if you’ll be traveling to make it easier to brush and floss when you’re not at home.
2. Watch What You Eat
Stuffing, cookies, and eggnog are staples of the season, but they contribute to tooth decay. No amount of brushing can reverse a cavity. It’s best to moderate sugars and starches to safeguard your smile. Instead, choose fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy alternatives. They also act as scrub brushes for your teeth to keep them healthy.
3. Drink More Water
Dehydration can sneak up on you. A dry mouth is an early sign that you’re not drinking enough water. If your mouth isn’t moist, harmful oral bacteria can get out of control quickly, increasing your risk of decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Healthcare professionals recommend drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of water daily. You’ll stay hydrated to keep your mouth moist and healthy.
4. Skip Alcohol
Even one glass of red wine or spiked eggnog is a recipe for disaster when it comes to your dental health. It can cause dehydration and decrease saliva production. Many alcoholic beverages contain a lot of sugar and are acidic. If they are dark in color, they can also stain your teeth. Always choose water when possible.
5. Visit Your Dentist
Although it’s a busy time of the year, don’t forget to see your dentist for your semi-annual cleaning and checkup. You’ll have a clean, healthy mouth to look and feel your best during the holidays.
You can head into the new year with healthy teeth and gums by committing to your dental health during the holidays.
About Dr. Clifford Sneed
Dr. Sneed attended the Meharry Medical School of Dentistry and has regularly continued his training in many specialties to create healthy, beautiful smiles that last. He is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the Indiana Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (765) 613-3128.
