The holiday season is finally upon us, and the festivities involving sweet treats and other delicacies are just around the corner. That being said, everyone’s more than willing to bite into their favorite Christmas dinners and desserts; however, they must not forget to take care of their teeth unless they want to spend their new year on a dentist’s chair.
If you happen to be one of them and you would like to maintain your pearly whites even before the new year begins, look no further than our helpful tips below.
1. Avoid Snacking
While you might want to indulge yourself in all the holiday treats, it is not a good idea to snack on them. Snacking all the time can lead to a buildup of plaque, which turns into tartar if not removed regularly. Plus, it may not be a good idea at all since your teeth are highly sensitive and prone to decay. Thus, it would be best to lower your intake during the holidays to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
2. Brush at Least Twice a Day
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep the plaque from building up. Doing this makes the teeth and gums less susceptible to cavities. Additionally, brushing with fluoride toothpaste is a must to ensure that the teeth are free of bacteria, sugars, and other toxins that could harm their structure.
3. Visit Your Dentist at Least Twice a Year
Going to a dental clinic even before the holidays is the best way to ensure that all is well and good with your teeth. If you have any concerns, see your dentist once every six months. They can examine the mouth and suggest an appropriate treatment. All dental experts are more than capable of providing you with the latest techniques of dental procedures, so you can be sure that your oral health is always in good hands.
4. Eat Healthily
We all know that consuming unhealthy food can cause cavities, but did you know that eating healthy can also prevent them? That’s right — eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains actually strengthens the tooth enamel, which is the hardest part of the teeth. We’re not saying that you should never eat sweets, so go ahead and get that piece of cake, but don’t overdo it and limit the intake of other sweets, too.
5. Use a Mouthwash with Fluoride
Mouthwash with fluoride is a must, and you can use it at least twice a day. It can help you fight tooth decay and even prevent gum infection. You can also use mouthwash to freshen your breath, which is already an added bonus.
6. Watch What You Eat
We have mentioned the dangers of overconsumption of sweets, but other delicacies may harm your teeth as well aside from the usual. That said, you must not forget to eat a balanced diet.
It is also an excellent idea to chew sugar-free gum since it can freshen your breath. Plus, it can help prevent you from snacking too much, so it is really a win-win from the beginning.
Conclusion
If you want to spend the next holiday season with your pearly whites intact, you have to be disciplined and follow our helpful tips above. Avoiding too many sweets, brushing and flossing regularly, and having your teeth checked by a dentist will do you wonders in the long run.
You will surely appreciate your healthy smile even before the new year starts, so get started on your oral health now and make it a worthwhile resolution moving forward.
Just in case you overdid your indulgence this holiday season and you are in search of emergency dental services in Raleigh, NC, look no further than our expertise here at Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry. We provide a full range of patient-oriented dental services, including routine checkups, cleaning appointments, extensive tooth restoration, amongst other things. Call us today and let us tend to your tooth problems in no time!
