Now that the holidays are here, your calendar is sure to be occupied with family, friends, work parties, and events filled with holiday cheer and yummy treats. You may already be watching your waistline during this season of sugar, but you may not have thought about how to take care of your teeth. Thankfully, your dentist in Pasadena has some healthy holiday tips you can use to keep your oral health in tip top shape while still enjoying all the festivities this season has to offer.
Try Sugar-Free Sweets
Yes, you may feel like a Grinch this holiday season if you pass on your family’s fresh baked cookies, but your teeth will thank you. It’s okay to indulge in some sweets, but you should try to enjoy sugar-free desserts whenever they’re available.
Be Picky if It’s Sticky
If you’re going to dive into some holiday sweets, you should be picky if it’s sticky. Stay away from sticky or hard candy that stays in contact with your teeth for long periods of time. Instead, try eating dark chocolate—chocolate dissolves and rinses away easily to prevent sugar building up and causing decay.
Hit the Snack Tray
Next time you’re ready to drink your favorite libation at a holiday party, go straight to the snack tray first. Eating cheese before drinking wine or other dark beverages that stain your teeth can actually provide you a natural waxy coating that can prevent staining in the first place.
You should also try to eat crunchy veggies and fruits to balance out the fattier and sugar-laden foods. These will keep you from overindulging, but they also stimulate saliva flow that naturally washes away plaque and bacteria.
Rinse Routinely
During this party season, it’s a good idea to make a habit of sneaking away to the bathroom to give your mouth a rinse. Especially after a glass of wine or sucking on a candy cane, plain-old water can wash away sugars, food particles, and prevent staining.
To get the full advantages of water during the holiday season, make sure to drink it alongside your more festive beverages. This is not only healthy for your body to prevent dehydration, but the water can constantly wash away sugars and bacteria to keep your teeth safe.
Schedule a Cleaning
Once the holiday chaos has settled down, get in to see your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. This will make sure you got through the season’s festivities without any dental issues like cavities or decay.
So, are you ready to party and keep your mouth healthy at the same time? Use these tips to give yourself the best oral hygiene heading into the New Year.
About the Practice
Dr. Kimber Holmes and Dr. Erica Revel are two dentists who have a passion for providing quality care. They believe in patient education, which is why they want you to know these easy tips on how to keep your teeth healthy for the holidays. They currently practice at Pasadena Family Dentistry, and they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (713) 946-5171 for any questions.