The holiday season is finally here! With that comes time spent with family and friends, potential travel, and all the delicious food you can eat. From pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving to holiday cookies and spiced hot toddies, it’s undeniable that the holiday season brings with it some of the best food. That being said, all of these scrumptious foods aren’t usually the best for us and while you may love your dentist, they’re probably not at the top of your list of people that you want to spend time with. In this blog post, we will be discussing some easy ways to help you maintain your oral health this holiday season. Keep reading to learn more!
Use Proper Tools to Open Packages and Bottles
No matter how old you are, receiving or giving a gift is one of the most exciting feelings. Whether these gifts are from family, friends, or other loved ones, it’s important that you remember to use proper tools to open these gifts, not your teeth. We know that it can be annoying to have to run back into the kitchen to find your industrial-strength scissors but we promise it’s going to be easier to use those than your teeth. Before you start unwrapping gifts, especially if you’re with a group of people, try and make sure that you have a pair of scissors (or whatever you may need) on deck and ready to go. Parents can be especially notorious for trying to help their children open that pesky plastic packing by using their teeth. Lead by example by never opening anything with your teeth.
This also applies to opening bottles! Whether you’re popping open a bottle of sparkling apple cider or cracking open a cold beer, use a bottle opener. It may be a fun party trick, but that trip to the dentist when you’ve cracked a tooth won’t have anyone impressed.
Opening packages and bottles with your teeth can lead to cracked, chipped, and missing teeth. Plastic packaging can even cut your gums and lead to infection if not treated properly. So, just save yourself the trouble and use a pair of scissors. You’ll thank us later, we promise.
Be Aware of Chewy and Sugary Treats
Like we mentioned, the food during the holiday season is some of the best. But, be aware of the treats that you are consuming. Many times these treats are filled with sugar, which is what gives them that gooey texture and great taste. Sticky and sugary substances tend to cling to your tooth enamel, which then encourages tooth decay. They can even yank out fillings, crowns, and other protective surfaces on your teeth. This can lead to painful toothaches and other damage. Now we’re not telling you that you have to skip out on all the fun, but just be aware of what you’re eating. Drink plenty of water to help dilute your mouth and if you can, brush your teeth after you eat so all that sugar isn’t just sitting on top of your teeth.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Water is incredible no matter what season it is, but make sure that you’re keeping your body fully hydrated these next few months. Drinking water helps keep your mouth clean and healthy, especially when you’re eating food that may be sugar and carbohydrate-heavy. These types of foods tend to stick to your teeth and other places in your mouth and if they sit for too long, they can lead to unhealthy aspects like tooth decay and cavities. When you’re eating, make sure that your gulping down some water to help wash away the excess sugar. Drinking water also boosts the production of saliva, which is great for oral health. Water is your best friend, so make sure that you’re getting enough of it. The recommended amount is about eight glasses per day, so bring that reusable water bottle with you and get to chugging.
Reach For Some Veggies
In the midst of holiday food, you can usually find a veggie tray of some sorts. Instead of loading up your plate with sweets, reach for a healthier option now and then. Eating vegetables, especially ones with a crunch to them, is a great way to not only consume some healthy food but it actually helps get rid of excess sugar on your teeth. The constant motion of chewing and biting into a crunchy carrot or piece of celery (no matter how much ranch you’ve dipped it in) actually helps scrape food particles off of your teeth. It also helps increase saliva production in your mouth with helps too, not to mention all the vitamins are great for your health too. Next holiday party you’re at, make sure that you hit up the veggie tray!
Don’t Neglect Your Dental Care
Through all the hustle and bustle, it seems like there’s never enough hours in the day. But, that’s no reason to neglect your dental routine! Remember, you should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day and attending routine dental check ups. Once again, the dentist may not be at the top of your list for places you want to go but it’s so important to take care of your teeth.
At Luxe Dental Spa we specialize in all aspects of dental care. From routine cleanings and checkups to cosmetic dental surgery, our expert dentists are here for you. As a Jersey Choice Top Dentist of 2019, you can count on all of our providers to give comfortable and quality care. Connect with us today to schedule an appointment and from all of us, Happy Holidays!