We love Christmas and everything that goes with it! For many of us it’s time to unwind and spend quality time with our families and friends, it also means in overindulging in things we would normally stay away from, sweets.
They’re a part of any Christmas celebration and they come as sticky chewy versions, hard versions and even covered in chocolate – delicious! We all know that these snacks are high in sugar, which can attack your teeth and cause cavities to form, so this is a tricky time for our teeth. The key to minimising tooth decay is choosing the best sugary treats and knowing how to care for your teeth during this time.
Try Out Some Fluoride Mouth Wash
Good for when you are on the go or to supplement your brushing regimen, our Dentists in Bulleen recommend using a mouthwash that contains fluoride as it can help strengthen your teeth’s enamel, helping them withstand the extra pressure put on them by the holidays.
Pack a Dental Hygiene Kit
Since many of us spend a good portion of the holidays away from our own home, get into the habit of packing a small dental kit. This should include your toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. This way, you can brush after every meal, no matter where you are.
Stick to Water
If you are prone to nursing the same drink for hours at a party, replace whatever’s in that glass with some water. Especially if you are drinking soda, constant sipping continually exposes teeth to harmful acids. Either switch to water or finish that glass already!
Go Easy on the Sweets
This may be a tough one, but you will be glad you passed on the cookies, candy, and sugary drinks this year. The bacteria in plaque use sugar to produce acid, which does a number on your enamel.
Sweets are one of the major pitfalls for oral health during the holidays, with the taffies and hard candies being the biggest problem. These sweets stay in contact with your teeth for long periods of time and can pull lose a crown or filling.
If you cannot help yourself, at least go for the dark, rather than the milk chocolate. Studies have found an association between heart health and dental health, which means it might be wise to stick with dark chocolate. Chocolate that’s over 60 percent cocoa contains flavonoids, which is actually good for your heart.
Eat An Apple A Day
Biting into a whole apple with its skin on helps to clean teeth and is a good alternative to a sugary snack.
Schedule Your Yearly Dental Exam
One of the best ways to avoid cavities during the holidays is to schedule your semi-annual teeth cleaning. A professional’s tools can clean in ways your toothbrush cannot so start off on the right foot before beginning the festivities.
Start Your Resolution Early – Brush & Floss Regularly
If you have been slacking on your dental care, there is no need to wait until the first of the year to get back into a routine. Start that resolution early, and commit to yourself to brush and floss at least twice a day, preferably after meals.
Be more vigilant than normal about teeth cleaning and make it a habit to go and brush after sugary snacks and treats and after meals.
And if You Do Discover a Cavity…
A cavity can strike the best of us, even if we have taken positive steps to prevent one. If you do happen to find yourself with a cavity this month, at Bulleen Plaza Dental, we are happy to help you address it and get back to the festivities as quickly and painlessly as possible. Just call us on 03 9852 2234 and we will be happy to make an appointment for you.