Making it through the holidays without ruining your teeth can be harder than it sounds. Between coworkers feeding you treats at work, family members baking you pies, and neighbors bringing over heaping plates of cookies, there’s temptation everywhere you look. So, what can you do to protect your teeth? Read on to learn five tips that will help you keep your oral health in good condition this holiday season.
Tip #1: Brush
Using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush your teeth for two minutes twice per day to remove plaque and food particles. With this combination of products, you can fight back against harmful oral bacteria and make your teeth stronger again cavities. You should also consider using a mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance for hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
Tip #2: Floss
Floss your teeth at least once per day, preferably before bed, to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. This will also help prevent cavities from forming between your pearly whites. Consider keeping a dental travel kit on you that has a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste so you can clean your pearly whites on the go.
Tip #3: Drink Water
When you aren’t producing an adequate amount of saliva, this can cause your mouth to dry out and lead to oral health issues like mouth sores, cavities, and gum disease. To counteract this, drink lots of water during the day and limit your alcohol consumption. You can also eat sugar-free hard candy or eat crisp, fresh vegetables, both of which encourage saliva production.
Tip #4: Skip Sweet, High-Carb, and Sticky Foods
Sticky foods are hard to wash away from your teeth. If they are sweet or high in carbs or starches (which break down into sugar), then this will give bacteria plenty of time to feast on them. The bacteria will then release harmful acids, which will attack your tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to cavities. Cut back on these unhealthy foods and eat sugar-free candy or dark chocolate instead.
Tip #5: Eat Protein
Phosphorous, a mineral found in protein, helps safeguard your oral health by strengthening your jawbone, protecting your enamel, and improving your bone density. Eat turkey, chicken, fish, asparagus, peas, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli to protect your teeth while also feeling full and satisfied.
By cutting back on unhealthy foods and making sure you keep up with your oral hygiene routines, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy smile during the holidays and beyond!
About the Practice
Dr. Robert A. Whitmore and his team of Arlington oral health professionals provide exceptional care to patients of all ages in the DFW metroplex. They offer a range of cosmetic, restorative, and preventive treatments to help you maintain the gorgeous smile you deserve. If you’re worried about protecting your oral health this holiday season, they can provide tips to help you make it through with all your teeth intact. Ready to schedule an appointment or have questions about how to avoid an oral health catastrophe this holiday season? Call their office at (817) 468-1212 or visit their website.