How To Have Tooth-Friendly Holidays

The holiday season is a time for celebration and fun with friends and family. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself during the holiday season, it is not an excuse to ruin your dental health.

Here are a few tips to take care of yourself:

Brushing and Flossing Regularly

In order to keep your teeth and gums healthy during the holidays, it's important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once per day. Make sure to brush for about two minutes each time to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth. It's also important to drink water during the day and avoid sugary foods and beverages that can cause tooth decay. Eat a healthy meal before going to a party so you won't be tempted to snack on unhealthy foods. Try to avoid eating sticky or hard foods that could damage your braces.

Rinse Your Mouth

Once your teeth are clean, you can use a fluoride mouth rinse to prevent cavities further. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and prevents decay. When you eat foods that contain sugar, bacteria convert it into acid that can erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Your saliva contains minerals that help neutralize the acids in your mouth. Unfortunately, when you are sleeping, you produce less saliva than you do during the day. Using a fluoride mouth rinse before bed helps replenish minerals and strengthen your enamel overnight.

Drink Water

If your family celebrates with alcohol, make sure to drink plenty of water before the party. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, increase your risk of dry mouth, and decrease the production of saliva. Saliva is important because it helps to wash away food and neutralize acids. Without sufficient saliva, your teeth are at greater risk of cavities.

Use Mouthguard

Finally, make sure to wear a mouthguard when playing sports this holiday season. Mouthguards can help prevent injuries to the lips, tongue, face, jaw, and soft tissues of your mouth. They can also reduce your risk of concussions.

If you notice any injuries in your gums, cheeks, or lips, you should visit our office right away. You can learn more about our emergency services on our website. 

Avoiding Sugary Treats

When it comes to holiday sweets, chocolates are the worst for your teeth! They contain sugar that sticks to your teeth and feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Sticky candies can do the same thing. When you eat these sweets, the sugar remains on your teeth, where they can feed bacteria for up to 20 minutes! Instead, try giving patients sugar-free hard candies or other goodies that don't stick to their teeth. That way, they can still enjoy the season's treats without harming their smile.

If you are looking for the best dentist who can treat your oral issues, visit ALLURE DENTAL at 8170 Maple Lawn Blvd, Suite 150, Fulton, MD 20759. Call us at (240) 456-0717 to book an appointment.