Dental Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is right around the corner, and while you prepare for the fun, food, and celebration, don't forget the cavities that get carried along with the festivities. Let's face it, it is neither easy nor viable to avoid all the sweets and yummy food during the holidays, nor do we recommend you do so. But it is critical to ensure your oral health is not jeopardized in all the merrymaking. 

We want you and your family to enjoy the wonderful holiday season. So we have put together some tips you can incorporate into your routine now to keep your teeth, gums, and body healthy over the next few months and even into the new year.

Here are five preventative tips to keep your teeth healthy and strong during the holiday season. 

  • Let your teeth meet their best friends twice a day. 

TTF: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss are your teeth's best friends. And we recommend you let your teeth meet their best friends at least twice daily. Use fluoride toothpaste, a soft-bristled and round-tipped toothbrush, and floss in the morning and before bed to rid your teeth of tartar build-up and maintain good oral hygiene. Stick to TTF religiously in the next couple of months to prepare your teeth for a week full of fun and candies. 

  • It matters little what you eat during the holidays and more for the remaining year.   

Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet now, can help you shield a range of oral health problems later. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Cheese, milk, and yogurt are excellent guards against oral health diseases and can help you repair any teeth damage. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, broccoli, etc., are excellent sources of nutrients and help keep your teeth and gums strong. Include nutritious food in your diet now to prevent diseases later. Avoid chewy, gummy, sugary candies before and after the holidays, and try limiting their consumption during the festivities. 

  • Drain the residue and cavities with Water

Water is an excellent mouth cleaner because it drains the excess food and residue cavity-causing bacteria love to eat. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth binge on sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, the outer shell of your teeth. Consume lots of water, and your gums will stay hydrated, clean, comfortable, and ready for the holiday binge. 

  • Schedule a dental cleaning/checkup beforehand

It is essential to schedule a post-holiday dental checkup to ensure none of the residues turn into cavities. A regular checkup and cleanup will help you eliminate any leftover food and prevent you from developing any oral health problems after the festivities. 

  • Be prepared and pack the essentials.  

Remember to pack dental floss, gauze, and over-the-counter pain relievers with your toiletries to deal with minor dental problems during the holidays, especially if you are traveling. Take your dental benefits policy number with you.