The holidays are here! It’s a fun and festive time of year, with parties and get-togethers and extra treats, maybe even some overindulgence. Sure, some of your healthy habits may take a short break, but don’t let your dental hygiene fall by the wayside.
Here are a few tips to help you maintain your good dental hygiene during the holidays:
Stick to your routine. Make sure you still floss and brush twice a day. If you are traveling, pack your dental floss and an extra toothbrush. Some people like to pack a party pouch to keep their mouth fresh at parties or events. Even if you’re tired before bed, take that time to brush well and floss. You don’t want to pay later with cavities or decay.
Drink lots of water. Regardless of what else you may be drinking during the holidays, keep drinking water. This helps with digestion and keeps your breath fresh. Even if you are indulging in delicious holiday desserts, water can help you maintain a healthy mouth. Stay away from the stain inducers. Drinks like red wine and cranberry juice can stain your teeth. If you’ve invested in whitening, or you just want to avoid stains, stick to the light-colored or clear drinks.
Eat your cheese. Who knew that a nibble of cheese at a party can help combat the acidity of too much wine or other adult beverages? According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, cheese also adds more saliva which can wash away what’s in your mouth and aid in digestion.
Beware of sticky foods. People often eat things like caramels, fancy popcorn, and peanut brittle during the holiday season—all of which can damage teeth. Watch out for sticky foods that hang out in your mouth for a long time; they can lead to decay and cavities. Don’t use your teeth for things you shouldn’t. Believe it or not, plenty of people use their teeth to open things, from packages to walnuts to bottles. Don’t do it. This can cause cracks and damage, and you can always nd something else to do the job. You don’t want to have to end up in the emergency dentist instead of enjoying the holidays.
Keep your appointments. Don’t put an appointments you have scheduled, or if you sense a problem, go ahead and get it looked at. We all know it’s a busy time of year, but it’s better to get in there and get things checked out than be in pain or nd out you have damage later.
If you are looking for a new dental home for any of your needs, please contact us at Watkin Dental Associates. Our expert, compassionate sta would love to answer any of your questions. Happy holidays from Watkin Dental Associates.