The holidays are upon us, and with them, come all of the delicious beverages and foods that are packed full of sugar and starch. While these traditional treats make your soul happy, they are not as friendly to your oral health. But never fear! You can still enjoy all of your favorites this year while keeping your teeth healthy, and your Jacksonville dentist has five tips to share with you about how.
Five Tips for a Healthy Smile this Holiday
Eating, drinking, and make merry all come with the fun of the holiday season. Here are five tips that you can employ to help keep your smile just as happy as your taste buds this year:
Stay on Top of Your Routine
Brushing your teeth and flossing every day are two of the simplest actions you can take to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. If you’re like many others who will be traveling this year and likely living on a different schedule for several days, falling out of regular habits can be easy to do. Take steps ahead of time to help keep yourself on track by setting reminders to help you keep up the good work while you’re away.
Mind the Sticky Desserts
It’s just not the holidays without colorful cookies, pies, and candy galore. While you’re enjoying these seasonal staples with friends and family this year, make sure you’re drinking a lot of water to help rise the sugar off your teeth and prevent cavities.
Pick the Protein
Comfort foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and rolls almost never miss out on the holiday dinner invitation. Bread, stuffing, mashed potatoes…these starchy sides are almost always invited to holiday meals. If not removed, the starch can cling to the teeth, and is later converted into sugar. Instead of grabbing another spoonful of potatoes, try a slice of turkey or ham to full you up instead. Plus, protein will keep you full longer, helping you to avoid excessive snacking later on.
Watch the Wine
Most everyone knows that red wine can cause stains over time, but did you know that white wine can be just as harmful to your teeth? The high acidity of wine can wear down enamel over time, which makes your teeth more susceptible to breakage and cavities. Before you pour another glass of wine, have a couple sips of water to rinse your mouth out. Drinking water will also keep your body hydrated, which will protect against dry mouth and the spread of bacteria.
Have a Dental Hygiene Kit On-Hand
No matter where you’re spending your holiday, it’s a good idea to have a toothbrush and some toothpaste with you. After eating, take a moment to be kind to your smile and brush your teeth. Not only will it keep them clean, but it will also keep your breath smelling fresh!
This holiday, enjoy all of your favorite foods and drinks, but follow these four tips to keep your oral health in good shape so that you can enter into next year with a beautiful smile.
About the Practice
The team of dental experts at Carlson Advanced Dentistry and Facial Esthetics is passionate about giving each patient the gift of a healthy smile through educating them on the importance of oral health. They have built their practice on trust and long-lasting relationships. They also ensure that their practice stays abreast of the latest technologies so that they can continue to provide outstanding care. Is your smile ready for the holidays? Schedule a consultation online or call (904) 262-8409.