How to Maintain Good Oral Health with Your Holiday Dentist

Holiday season is here! Have you tried your favorite seasonal coffee, pie, cookies, or other sweet treats? This time of year brings a constant flow of sugary goodies that can damage your pearly whites. However, there are ways you can enjoy your favorite treats and still take care of your teeth! Keep reading to discover some tips on how to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful during this season of sugar with your holiday dentist.

Eat Teeth-Healthy Foods

While you’re enjoying the holiday season and the yummy treats that come with it, be sure to balance your indulgence out with some teeth-healthy foods. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are good for your teeth and your overall health, too.

You should also drink plenty of water. Between the seasonal coffees and hot cocoa, be sure to consistently drink water. Most water contains fluoride, which is a natural cavity fighter. It also naturally washes away some of the sugar and bacteria that cling on to your teeth after meals.

Be Picky if the Food is Sticky

You should try to avoid foods that are chewy, gummy, sticky, and sugary at all costs. Although many traditional treats fall into this category, they allow sugar to stay in contact with your pearly whites for long periods of time, increasing your chance of tooth decay.

If you want to treat yourself to some candy, pick chocolate instead of a candy cane or other hard or sticky candies. Chocolate dissolves much faster than other treats, so it’s safer to indulge in than caramel or chewy candy.

Maintain Your Daily Oral Health Routine

Don’t get out of your normal brushing and flossing routine just because it’s the holidays. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss once a day, especially during this time of heightened sugar intake. A good oral health routine is the best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

For a finishing touch, you can add mouthwash to your routine. Just look for bottles with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on them. This is a great way to clean areas of your mouth that your brush and floss can’t reach.

Visit Your Dentist

Last but certainly not least, when all the sugar has settled down, contact your local dentist for a checkup and cleaning. They will be able to detect and prevent dental issues while they are still small, so you’ll have a healthy smile for holidays to come.

Use these tips to keep your smile looking and feeling great during the holidays. Your teeth will thank you for taking care of them, and your wallet will be happy you won’t need any serious dental treatments!

About the Practice

At Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we have a team of 3 dentists who enjoy providing quality care to their patients in Grand Island. They like helping patients keep their smiles looking and feeling great during the holidays for the many photo opportunities they’re faced with. Our dentists can be contacted through their website or by phone at (308) 382-4440 for any questions.