It’s that time of the year when the children are singing and the sleigh bells are ringing. Between family game nights and holiday dinners, and the holiday schedules that involve late bedtimes or travel, we tend to be less mindful of our oral health.
Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year, but such may not be the case for your teeth if you do not observe good oral health habits over the holidays. Follow our holiday oral care tips to make sure that your gums and teeth have a jolly good time this season!
Take it easy
It’s natural to enjoy tasty holiday treats with your family, just make sure to not overdo it. Eat sweets in moderation, and your body – as well as your smile – will thank you in 2022!
Don’t forget to brush
This season presents a lot of opportunities to relax and unwind, but do not forget to stick to your oral health routine. Be sure to keep up your usual brushing schedule, and do not forget to floss to remove food residue between your teeth.
Use a straw
Soda is rich in sugar and is not the best choice. However, if you do drink soda, it’s wise to use a straw. It will help minimize the contact of sugars and harmful acids with your teeth. Also, follow up with a glass (or two) of water.
Choose white
For a lot of people, this is the season to imbibe! If you are presented with white and red wine, it’s wise to choose white to avoid red’s staining power.
Say cheese!
Dairy products like cheese are great for your teeth. If you are going to consume alcoholic beverages, the pH in cheese will help to neutralize the acid.
Go for proteins
If you enjoy eating meat, do not hesitate to eat a lot. Meat is rich in protein and phosphorous, which will help fend off tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy.
Veggie pileup
Crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, and broccoli naturally brush your teeth. As a bonus, they are loaded with vitamin A which helps to strengthen your enamel.
Visit your Dallas dentist
The holidays can be a hectic time, but do not forget to visit your dentist, especially if you need work done or are due for a cleaning. Also, a lot of dental insurance plans reset at the start of each calendar year, so if you have unused dental benefits, now’s a good time to take advantage of your available coverage.
We hope that these oral care tips will help keep your teeth merry and bright! Happy holidays from the Dallas Dental Wellness team!
