Our team at Bell & Bell Dentistry wants to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season! Today, we’re giving you some tips on protecting your healthy, beautiful smile from the unique dangers this time of year can pose for your oral health.
We try to be good all year long when it comes to watching how much sugar we consume. This dietary diligence keeps your waistline under control and your teeth and gums healthier.
But when the holidays come around, you’re allowed to indulge in all those sugary sweets and treats that you ordinarily try to stay away from. And that’s okay! As long as you keep your mouth clean, Christmastime doesn’t have to put you on the fast track to dental problems.
The problems we’re talking about are things like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. That’s because harmful bacteria in your mouth is always waiting patiently to devour the sugars from your food and drinks. This feeding frenzy creates acids that attack your tooth enamel and leave your teeth and gums vulnerable to all kinds of threats to your smile and your oral health.
How You Can Protect Your Smile This Season
Let’s take a look at some common dangers to your teeth and gums and how you can protect yourself despite them!
Beware Of Candy Canes!
We don’t want to pick on candy canes, as they definitely aren’t the only treat that can hurt your teeth this time of year. In fact, at Christmastime, you might find yourself surrounded by small dishes filled with all sorts of candy.
It’s the hard candy you should be mindful of most. That’s because something as innocent as munching on a candy cane can cause you to break, crack, or chip a tooth. The last thing you want to deal with at Christmas is a dental emergency!
Oral Hygiene On The Go!
If you’re someone who travels a lot during the holiday season, you know it can disrupt your normal routine. Your daily oral hygiene routine is no exception to this!
With all the holiday excitement, it might be harder to remember to brush twice and floss once each day that you’re away from home. Keep your oral care items in a place you know you’ll see them each day. That way it’ll be easier to stay on track!
Raise A Glass… Of Water!
Drinking plenty of water is important every single day of the year. But during the holidays, it’s especially important to keep the water handy!
Not only should you drink lots of water for your overall health, rinsing your mouth with water can be a great way to give your teeth and gums a little extra help staying clean. If you’re eating a great deal more sugary treats than you usually do, swishing water around in your mouth can help counteract the harmful bacteria that love to feed on that sugar!
Know The Dessert Dangers
Your holiday dessert table is no doubt full of all those culinary treasures you fight hard to avoid throughout the rest of the year. From cheesecake to pumpkin pie to whipped cream to a la mode delights, there’s literally a buffet of sweet treats that can hurt your teeth.
You can certainly indulge in these delicious delights, but try to avoid any toppings or candied goodies that are particularly sticky. Caramel and toffee, for example, will stick to your teeth long after you eat it. If you can’t resist the temptation of sticky treats, just be sure to give extra time and attention to brushing and flossing!
Remember That Teeth Aren’t Tools!
It is so tempting this time of year to use your teeth as tools. Overcome with the thrill of ripping through the gift bags and boxes and wrapping paper, you might forget the importance of protecting your teeth.
But instead of putting your pearly whites at risk, make sure you keep the scissors handy to do the work for you. Cut price tags and zip ties with the proper equipment so you don’t hurt your teeth unnecessarily.
Make An End Of The Year Appointment!
With all its joy and peace on earth, Christmas isn’t without its oral health dangers. Your teeth and gums are put under a lot of pressure this time of year, so it’s important to do what you can to keep them strong and healthy.
Our team at Bell & Bell Dentistry is here to help you. With a deep cleaning and thorough exam, we can effectively remove the plaque and tartar buildup that threaten your smile. This is part of the prevention effort that our Frankfort, KY dental team is committed to helping you fight!
Call our Frankfort, KY office today at 502-783-6322 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.