The holiday season is among us, which means lots of festive treats and fun with the family. It’s easy to get caught up in the swing of things, enjoying all the lovely food & drink while spending some time away from work. Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a common tome for dental problems. Too much candy and a relaxed oral healthcare routine lead to an increase in cavities.
With that in mind, here are some ways to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays:
Keep up with your usual routine
Don’t forget about your normal oral healthcare routine – even if your daily routine is slightly different. Lots of people forget to brush their teeth during the holidays as you’re used to doing it while you get ready for work. If you’re guilty of this, set reminders on your phone to tell you to brush your teeth every morning and night. Add some flossing in a few days a week to keep your mouth healthy.
Avoid hard and sticky treats
You’ll probably be given loads of treats during the holidays, and it’s okay to indulge now and then. However, you should avoid things that are particularly bad for your teeth. This includes hard candies, sticky toffee, and honeycomb. All of these things stick to your teeth, meaning there’s a higher chance of decay forming. If you are going to treat yourself, opt for treats that are a little less damaging for your teeth!
Chew gum during the day
Speaking of treats, it’s always good to have some gum handy during the day. We recommend chewing a piece for around 15 minutes after eating some sugary foods. It helps to remove the sugar and clean your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities. You could also use mouthwash instead – either option works well here.
Don’t forget to drink lots of water
It’s tempting to consume copious amounts of mulled wine over the holidays. Nevertheless, water should be your number one drink. It keeps your teeth healthy by washing away bacteria and sugar, stopping any bad things from happening.
Enjoy your fair share of cheese
When it comes to snacking, there are some foods that are actually good for your teeth. Cheese is a perfect example as it is packed full of calcium and other things that protect tooth enamel. It’s handy to eat cheese after eating sugary foods as it will reduce the acid content in your mouth. Essentially, cheese is a neutralizer, restoring the pH value in your mouth. Again, this prevents decay from forming and will protect your teeth.
Book yourself in for a New Year’s appointment!
Lastly, don’t forget to book yourself in for a checkup in the New Year. You can actually do this right now via our website or by giving us a call. As such, any potential problems can be found straight after the holidays and addressed right away.
Follow these tips if you want to enjoy the holiday season without worrying about your dental health!
