Tips for Healthy Teeth During the Holidays
Following these tips will help protect teeth from damage during the hectic holidays.
The holiday season is upon us once again, and many families will soon be gathering to celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s. Even if your family doesn’t celebrate, chances are you will have plenty of invitations to holiday parties from friends and coworkers. The sweet treats and hectic pace of the holiday season can really take a toll on your teeth if you’re not careful! Fortunately, you can help protect your teeth and your oral health by following these simple tips.
Address Dental Problems Before You Travel
If you will be traveling out of town during this holiday season, the last thing you want is for dental pain to ruin your trip. This is why it would be wise to address any minor dental discomfort or sensitivity now, before you leave town. Not only will this save you the pain and aggravation of a serious dental problem on the road, it will also help protect your teeth from suffering ongoing damage. For example, if you have red, painful gums right now, you could just continue to ignore the problem. But, by getting a professional dental cleaning, you can actually treat the problem, getting the oral infection under control before it can weaken teeth and gums and potentially lead to tooth loss down the road.
Watch Your Sugar Intake
Plaque bacteria love sugar. Unfortunately, when they feed on sugary food debris in your mouth, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, causing sensitivity and cavities. You can limit the amount of damage done by plaque bacteria by trying control your sugar intake this holiday season. Remember that when it comes to tooth decay, the amount of sugar consumed is less of a problem than the frequency at which you consume it. It’s better to have one big piece of pie than to snack on little cookies and candies all day long.
Stock Up on Sugar-Free Gum
When you can’t brush your teeth after a sugary snack, chewing some sugar-free gum is the next best thing. This will help stimulate saliva production in the mouth to help wash away food debris before plaque bacteria can feed on it. Gum containing xylitol is an especially good choice as this artificial sweetener has been shown to reduce the level of certain bacteria in the mouth.
Buy a New Toothbrush
One final tip for treating your teeth right this holiday is to buy a new toothbrush after you get home from your travels. Replacing your toothbrush periodically is always a good idea, but some experts believe it is especially wise after traveling as your toothbrush may have picked up some new germs or bacteria while visiting a strange bathroom.
