Tips for Enjoying Teeth-Friendly Holidays

The holiday season comes with a lot of excitement. People eagerly wait for the holiday season to come. It is that time of the year when people spend quality time with their loved ones.

One of the great things about the holidays is that they bring families and friends together to celebrate, share gifts and stories, and really spend time enjoying each other’s company. That togetherness is infectious and highly contagious! Smiles and laughter spread from person to person, spreading good cheer, warm fuzzies, and holiday spirit all around! 

While you’re out celebrating this holiday season, don’t forget to take care of your teeth! We understand the importance of living your best life possible, so we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your dental health during the holidays. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Remember to keep your oral health in check, too, during the holidays. Make sure that you and your family maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each and visiting your dentist every six months. Flossing at least once a day is also essential to optimal oral health. If you need help remembering to do these things every day, set a timer on your smartphone to remind you to brush and floss. This way, you’ll be prepared to welcome the new year with a clean and healthy smile.
• Avoid eating hard candy or food that could damage your enamel. Sports drinks, sodas, wine, berries, and other acidic foods and drinks are all damaging to the strength and integrity of your teeth. If you are enjoying these treats this season, make sure to drink plenty of water after to help wash the acid off your teeth to prevent cavities from forming.
• If you do plan to enjoy festive treats this holiday season, make sure you do so in moderation and follow up with a rinse of water or mouthwash! Swap out sugar and sticky candies for dark chocolate and other kinds of candy that are better for your teeth. For instance, chocolate contains less sugar than other types of candy and has beneficial antioxidants that are good for your mouth. Just make sure to brush and floss after enjoying any sugary foods.
• If you do find yourself enjoying a sweet drink during the holidays, try drinking water afterward to help rinse your mouth out. Water will help wash away some of the excess sugar and bacteria that regular brushing and flossing can’t quite get to. You may even consider chewing sugar-free gum after enjoying a holiday beverage to encourage saliva flow and help neutralize any leftover harmful sugars as you rest.
• When eating processed sugars, it’s better to avoid sticky candies or hard candy such as boiled sweets, lollipops, jawbreakers, etc. This is because the longer particles remain in your mouth, the more likely they are to get stuck in between teeth and promote cavities. Hard candies can also bend your dental work, so it’s best to enjoy these sorts of candies in moderation. On the other hand, gummy bears and other softer candies can be great choices as they are digested quickly and won’t stay in your mouth for too long.
• If you do happen to experience any tooth pain during the holiday season, know that our emergency dental treatment is always available to help you. Give us a call. 

We hope that all of our patients have a happy and healthy holiday season this year. Make sure to stay on top of your dental care even during this hectic season.

Don’t hesitate to call if you have any concerns regarding your teeth and gums. Prevention is always better than cure, so don’t miss the chance to maintain healthy teeth and gums this holiday season. Happy holidays to all our patients from all of us at Belman Dental.