3 Ways to Protect Your Oral Health from the Dangers of Sugar This Holiday Season

The holidays are about indulgence. In fact, they’re about overindulging in your favorite sweet treats, right? While these special days only come around once a year, they fall so closely together that most people tend to use it as an excuse to eat whatever they want for 2 or 3 full months and then start again with their New Year’s Resolutions. While having a cookie or slice of pie is fine in moderation, too much of a good thing can be very bad, especially for your teeth. To help you get through the holidays without developing tooth decay, hear from a dentist who suggests 3 ways to protect your oral health from the dangers of sugar.

Stick to Your Routine

Just because there are more sweets around the house doesn’t mean you should disregard your oral hygiene routine. Each morning and every night before you go to bed, make sure you are brushing your teeth for a full two minutes to effectively remove harmful bacteria and any left behind food particles. You’ll also need to make sure you floss between your teeth and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. This will eliminate anything that might be stuck to the chewing surfaces or in-between your teeth. If you’ve eaten anything sweet or starchy, this is especially crucial, as both substances can lead to bacterial growth and ultimately, tooth decay and cavities.

Stay Away from Dark-Colored Foods and Beverages

While this might be difficult to do, it’s best if you try to stay away from anything that is darkly pigmented. Why? Because dark-colored foods and beverages can stain your teeth and leave you with an unpleasant smile. Red wine, coffee, tea, soda, berries, and even spices can leave a trail of discoloration. Instead of consuming these types of drinks, try ice-cold water, fresh juice, or even milk.

Monitor Your Starch Intake

You’ll likely be hard-pressed to find a holiday table that doesn’t include at least 5 or 6 (or more!) starchy dishes. From potatoes to rolls to decadent cakes, starch is everywhere, and should you choose to partake in these delicious dishes, you will find that it transfers nicely onto your teeth, too. This is when plaque can begin to build around your gum line and on your teeth, increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. To prevent this from happening, lessen the number of starchy foods you eat and make sure to give your mouth a thorough cleaning before going to bed.

If you’re worried that your dentist wants you to forgo all your favorite foods this holiday season, don’t be. All things in moderation are fine, but if you want to avoid a cavity-filled smile, make sure you take the necessary steps to take care of your oral health this season.

About the Practice
At Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we know it can be hard to avoid some of your favorite sweet treats. With the holidays just weeks away, dinner tables will be set with plenty of dishes full of sugar, which is why our team wants to help you take care of your oral health during this time of year. By offering preventive care, we can ensure your teeth and gums are off to a good start, clearing away any plaque and tartar that may be built up around the gum line. If it’s been a while since your last visit, or you want to make sure your dental health is in optimal condition for the holidays, take the time to learn more about us by visiting our website or calling (308) 382-4440.