One of the most popular questions we get during the holidays is how to avoid cavities, and for good reason! With all of the sugar and other goodies around, it can be hard to keep your teeth healthy. Despite the fact that the holiday season is a great time to unwind and indulge in “naughty” delicacies that we may otherwise forgo, maintaining good oral health might help you prevent dental emergencies.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your teeth happy this holiday season. Read on for our top tips!
Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal or Snack
Some meals and beverages, especially those heavy in sugar and carbs, might encourage the development of oral germs that damage your tooth enamel. You may lessen this bacteria and aid in the preservation of your enamel by cleaning your teeth right after eating.
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
It’s completely acceptable to indulge in a few sugary goodies throughout the holiday season, but being mindful not to overindulge will help safeguard your teeth against a variety of dental issues. Bacteria can grow on teeth as a result of sugar accumulation, which can result in problems like cavities and tooth decay.
If you find yourself drawn to the sweet treats available, it’s best to limit your between-meal snacking. Your mouth will have created more saliva when you eat sweet meals at mealtimes, such as dessert, which can neutralize extra sugars.
If you can’t always clean your teeth after consuming foods high in sugar, give your mouth a short rinse with water. This can assist in washing away sugar granules and preventing their accumulation.
Occasionally Indulge in Booze
Alcohol is acidic, which can erode tooth enamel, and it also raises the risk of oral health problems, including gum disease. While it’s acceptable to indulge in one or two drinks throughout the holiday season, keeping your alcohol intake in check can assist in maintaining healthy and strong teeth.
After consuming alcohol, rinsing your mouth with water can help wash away the germs and acid in your mouth and prevent them from sticking to your teeth.
Limit Your Consumption of Acidic Foods
To safeguard your teeth, it is essential to limit your intake of acidic foods. Acidic foods can erode the enamel that protects the surface of our teeth, making them more vulnerable to a variety of oral health problems. You could notice that you’re eating and drinking more acid-rich foods and beverages around the holidays since they contain items like citrus fruits, red wine, and fizzy drinks.
After being exposed to strong acids, you can aid in neutralizing the acid by drinking milk or having a cheese snack immediately thereafter, washing your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash, or both. Acids can be neutralized by dairy products and other calcium-rich meals.
After eating and drinking anything acidic, brushing right afterwards might harm the tooth’s enamel. Acid-rich foods and drinks erode your teeth’s protective enamel, a process known as tooth erosion. Your teeth will look different as a result, and microorganisms that might lead to an infection or cavity will have access to your mouth.
Avoid The Really Hard Meals
These kinds of hard meals can harm your teeth, breaking or chipping them, necessitating emergency dental care, which is not ideal while you’re trying to enjoy the holidays!
While it’s preferable to choose softer meals whenever you can, if you do feel tempted by a tougher snack, use additional caution and bite-sized portions.
Don’t let your oral hygiene practices lapse. It might be a refreshing change from work or school to take a vacation from our regular routines over the holiday season. Our dental health, however, is one aspect of our everyday routines that shouldn’t be neglected. Given that most of us will be eating more decadent meals than usual throughout the holiday season, it’s really even more crucial to maintain your daily brushing and flossing routine.
Whatever your holiday activities entail, it’s crucial to keep up your regular oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Ask the best dentist in your area for advice.
