Holiday Health: 6 Tips That Will Keep Your Smile Whole
There’s plenty to look forward to during the holidays: going to parties, seeing the family, and of course, indulging in the sweets and treats that are only served around this time of year. Unfortunately, that last activity could easily lead to trouble for your teeth and gums, but luckily, a dentist in Tracy has 6 tips that will help you avoid a dental emergency near you in Tracy, CA this holiday season.
1. Enjoy Sweets and Sugar in Moderation
There’s no need to avoid sugary treats like cookies and fudge altogether but snacking on them throughout the day only makes cavities and gum disease more likely. Be careful of how often you’re consuming these foods. The best time to enjoy sweets and sugar is at mealtime, when there’s more saliva in your mouth. (Saliva can wash away bits of food and neutralizes the acid that oral bacteria produce when they feed on sugar.),p>
2. Try to Avoid Anything Sticky or Chewy
Caramel, taffy and other treats that stick to the teeth encourage tooth decay, and they could yank out or damage fillings as well as other types of dental work. You should only be eating such sweets sparingly; again, it’s better to enjoy them during meals to keep the damage to a minimum.
3. Don’t Use Your Teeth to Crack Nuts or Open Packages
It’s common to try and save time by opening nuts, bottles or packages with your mouth, but this could easily lead to disaster. Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, but it can still be cracked or broken if you bite down on something hard. Take the time to fetch the right tool for the job instead.
4. Be Careful with Wine
If you enjoy a glass of wine around the holidays, make sure you’re not going overboard. Red wine in particular can stain your teeth, and the alcohol it contains can dry out your mouth. You can limit the damage by using a straw and drinking water alongside the wine.
5. Choose Tooth-Friendly Snacks
When planning holiday snacks and meals, try to include foods that will help protect your pearly whites. Cheese is often a good choice, as the calcium and phosphates it contains help strengthen the teeth and kill oral bacteria. Don’t forget crunchy fruits and vegetables; they clean the teeth while you chew and increase saliva flow to wash away harmful food particles and bacteria.
6. Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, always make time to brush and floss at least two times a day. Also, if you haven’t had a dental checkup in the last six months, now’s a good time to schedule a visit so that any minor oral health issues can be dealt with quickly.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays with all the important people in your life without cavities and gum disease spoiling the fun. Greet the new year with a dazzling, fully intact smile!
About the Author
Dr. Tejdeep Rattan is proud of the care he gives his patients and is always eager to learn about new technologies and techniques that can use to make their lives better. From dental implants to preventive care, he strives to make his practice, Innovo Dental and Implant Studio, a “one-stop shop” for oral health. To schedule an appointment for the holidays, visit his website or call 209-207-9076.