When you think about the holidays, there’s a good chance that shopping, baking and decorating all come to mind. But sitting in the dental chair? Not so much. Unfortunately, however, an abundance of sweet holiday foods and beverages (combined with falling out of your oral hygiene routine) can easily lead to cavities and dental emergencies. But not if you know a few good tips and tricks! Keep reading for 5 great ideas on how to enjoy yourself this holiday season without an unexpected trip to a dentist in Bedford.
1. Be Mindful of Sweet, Sticky Foods
The longer something sweet adheres to your teeth, the more damage it can do. And since there’s no shortage of sticky foods at this time of year, get in the habit of brushing your teeth as soon as possible after having them.
2. Practice On-the-Go Oral Hygiene
When you’re away from home, brushing isn’t always possible. One convenient alternative is chewing sugar-free gum. By stimulating salivary flow, it helps to wash away sugar and plaque from your teeth and neutralize cavity-causing acids. And while it’s not as good as brushing, it’s a lot more beneficial than nothing at all.
It’s also a good idea to keep a container of floss in your car, at work, or in your purse. That way you have a quick, easy way to clean in between your teeth when you’re on the go.
3. Eat Cavity-Fighting Foods
Although there are plenty of holiday foods that cause cavities, there are also a few that help prevent them. One example is crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery, which have a natural “scrubbing” action that’s surprisingly effective at keeping your teeth clean. You can also snack on cheese. With minerals like calcium and phosphate, it helps protect your teeth from the acids that cause cavities.
4. Stay Hydrated With Plain Water
There’s enough sugar around at this time of year without adding fuel to the fire with soda or juice. Aim to drink plain water instead. This is not only better for your waistline, but also flushes away sugars from your mouth after meals and snacks.
5. Don’t Forget About Checkups and Cleanings
The holidays are busy, but it’s still well worth it to spend an hour getting a routine checkup and cleaning. By finding problems when they’re small, you’ll greatly minimize the chances of a holiday dental emergency and save yourself a lot of time and hassle down the road. Not to mention that a professional cleaning will make your smile sparkle.
Taking care of your oral health during the holidays doesn’t mean being a Scrooge. With these 5 simple guidelines, you’ll make it through the season with a healthy smile intact.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Fromuth is a family dentist in Bedford and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an advocate for patient education and a firm believer in the importance of prevention, he always provides tips and tricks at this time of year to help people avoid dental problems. If you have any questions about your oral health during the holidays, he can be reached via his website.