Don't Ruin Your Visions Of Sugarplums With A Toothache This Holiday Season
Think about the holidays and you probably have visions of family gatherings, office parties, and, of course, plenty of holiday goodies. With tables laden with cookies, cakes, and pies to tempt you, it's difficult to keep your teeth healthy as you enjoy the season. Don't ruin your "visions of sugarplums" with a painful toothache on the night before your Christmas celebration. Use these helpful tips to protect your teeth.
Tip #1 – Drink Water After Eating
When you're bustling about from party to party or heading out to do last minute shopping, it's easy to forget to brush your teeth after every snack or meal. If you don't have a chance to head to the bathroom to brush your teeth, make sure you drink water after eating. Water helps to wash away cavity-causing sugar and bacteria. Another option is to pop in a piece of sugarless gum, which stimulates saliva to wash sugar and bacteria away.
Tip #2 – Eat Dairy with Sweets
While you should limit the sugary sweets you eat during the holidays, sometimes you just have to eat a piece of grandma's pie. If you're going to eat sweets, eat some dairy with the sweets. Cheese, milk and other dairy products contain enzymes that help protect teeth from the damaging acids that develop when bacteria feeds on sugar in your mouth.
Tip #3 – Fill Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies
Most holiday gatherings will have fruits and veggies, so try filling your plate with fruits and veggies so you limit the room you have for sweets. Carrots, apples and celery are great choices, since they naturally help clean your mouth.
Tip #4 – Limit Your Festive Holiday Drinks
Limit the festive holiday drinks that you enjoy at holiday parties. Many festive holiday drinks, such as apple cider, hot chocolate, and peppermint coffees, can actually stain teeth or wear down your enamel. If you want to indulge, limit yourself to only one staining or acidic drink each day. To fight off stains that may develop, consider switching to baking soda toothpaste during the holidays.
Tip #5 – Limit Hard or Sticky Treats
Hard treats, such as peppermint bark and candy canes, can damage your teeth or your dental work. Sticky treats stay on teeth longer, increasing your risk of cavities. Limit both types of treats to prevent cavities and other oral damage during the holidays.
Of course, while these tips can help, remember that regular brushing and flossing is still the most important thing you can do to prevent cavities. With a good oral hygiene routine and these helpful holiday tips, you'll find it easier to enjoy your favorite foods while avoiding a painful end to your holiday season.
For more information, you can contact a local dentist or visit http://www.fortcollinsdentist.com/.
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