The holidays are a time of celebration with your family and friends. This includes a lot of food, fun, and busy schedules! Unfortunately, these special times can wreak havoc on your oral health if you don’t stay on top of your daily oral health routine. Here are four tips from your dentist in Burien to keep your smile healthy and happy throughout the holiday season!
Tip #1: Eat Sweet Treats in Moderation
You have probably heard since you were a child that sugar can have detrimental effects on your teeth. Well, the holidays are a time of the year when you are exposed to it constantly, from pies to candy. As a matter of fact, candy canes are made entirely of the sweet stuff! It may seem impossible to avoid the various goodies, especially when celebrating with others. The good news is that you don’t have to forego them completely. Just enjoy them in moderation and be sure to brush your pearly whites 30 minutes after eating them.
Tip #2: Do Your Best Not to Snack
You produce the highest amount of saliva during mealtimes. Why does this matter? Saliva helps keep your teeth free from harmful bacteria and washes away food particles. On the other hand, snacking throughout the day increases your risk of cavities. Plus, most people aren’t in the habit of brushing after each snack compared to full meals. It’s best to focus on making your breakfast, lunch, and dinner well-balanced and filling to keep your pearly whites as healthy as possible!
Tip #3: Prioritize Oral Hygiene
It’s easy to fall out of a normal routine during the holidays, between traveling or having loved ones visit from out of town. While enjoying these special times is important, it is also vital not to start skipping your daily brushing and flossing routine as this can easily lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you have veneers or other dental work that keep your smile whole and bright, neglecting to care for your teeth can negatively impact the look and function of them. If you can’t brush and floss right away, chew on some sugar-free gum in the meantime.
Tip #4: Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Between hard foods and gifts, the holidays can tempt you to use your teeth in ways that aren’t best for them! For example, when you want to crack open nuts or tear open a gift that is enclosed in strong plastic. While it is tempting to use your pearly whites due to the convenience, you should avoid doing so at all costs. It can result in serious tooth and gum damage. Instead, wait for the proper tool or ask someone for a helping hand.
By prioritizing your oral health with these tips, you can keep your smile healthy throughout all the joys of the holidays!
About the Author
Dr. David Thomas and his team at Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien are eager to build a long-lasting relationship with you as they keep your smile vibrant all throughout the year. He provides a full range of services, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. With personalized care and advanced dental technology, he helps you achieve a lifetime of excellent oral health! If you are interested in learning more about veneers or would like to make an appointment, contact his website or call (206) 244-4622.
