Tips for Healthy Teeth During The Holidays
It’s hard to believe that November has arrived and the holiday season is right around the corner. One of the best parts of the holidays is the delicious foods and treats shared with family and friends. Last year, many plans had to be cancelled, changed, or postponed. Many of our patients have expressed their excitement about the plans they have over coming months. With all of the happy times and excitement, it can be hard to think about your oral health. We would hate for you or a loved one to experience a dental emergency over the holidays, so we want to take a moment and share some helpful tips to keep your mouth healthy during the upcoming holiday season.
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
When life gets busy and you are tight on time or extremely tired after a long day, it can be tempting to cut your oral hygiene routine short. Perhaps you want to brush your teeth for a shorter time or skip flossing. We want to encourage you to brush and floss regularly, even if you’re tired. Any bacteria that remains on your teeth can increase the possibility of developing decay. This can be particularly dangerous after eating sweets or sugary foods during the holidays.
Drink Extra Water
It is not always possible to brush your teeth after having sugary foods and drinks, such as at a holiday party. As a stop gap, we encourage our patients to drink extra water to help flush out the lingering food and sugar until they are able to brush again.
Make Healthy Choices
It can be tempting to indulge in all of the delicious foods and extra sweets are available during the holiday season. Although they may be irresistible, it is important to enjoy your favorite treats in moderation. Increasing your sugar intake, even for a few weeks, can lead to lingering oral health problems.
The best way to ensure your teeth are healthy is to visit our office every six months for a hygiene examination and cleaning. It is not too late to schedule an appointment before the end of the year. If you are located in the Silverdale, WA area and have any further questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment please call our office. We would love to help your teeth remain healthy during the upcoming holiday season.