The holidays are in full swing, and whether you’re staying at home and hosting or heading to your friends or family’s place out-of-state, one thing you may not be thinking about is your oral health. The holidays can be precarious for your dental health if you aren’t mindful of how you’re indulging this holiday season. Read on for four helpful and easy-to-implement tips to keep cavities at bay and make sure your smile stays in the green this December.
Tip 1: Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Water
Many people like to celebrate the holidays with delicious beverages, from mulled wine and eggnog to champagne and apple cider. While these beverages are perfectly fine to drink in moderation, you’ll want to make sure that you also stay hydrated with water, too. By drinking plenty of water, you’ll help wash away acids that can erode your enamel, tannins that can stain your teeth, and sugar that can settle in the crevices of your molars and lead to cavities.
Tip 2: Try to Avoid Snacking Throughout the Day
If you or your family love to make holiday snacks like puppy chow, homemade cookies, buckeyes, and more, it’s likely that you’ll graze on them throughout the day (because who wouldn’t!). Try to avoid snacking too frequently and often during the day though, as this could expose your teeth to sugar for longer periods of time, preventing your saliva from being able to effectively wash it away. By staying hydrated and eating your snacks in one sitting instead of every hour or two, you’ll be able to reduce your chances of developing a cavity!
Tip 3: Stick to Your Regular Dental Hygiene Routine
Even if you aren’t spending the holidays at home, it’s still important for you to continue your regular dental hygiene routine, which should include brushing twice a day for two minutes, rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash at least once a day, and flossing at least once a day. This will help minimize plaque and tartar build-up, preventing oral health problems like gum disease and decay from compromising your smile. A great way to do this is make sure that you have everything you need in your travel dental hygiene kit!
Tip 4: Avoid Winter Dry Mouth
The arid winter air can leave your mouth feeling just as dry and parched as your skin! Unfortunately, dry mouth is also associated with an increased risk of cavity development, as your saliva helps rinse away sugars and starches from the mouth as well as naturally neutralize acids. In addition to staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water, make sure to invest in a humidifier for your home, or a portable one if you’re planning on staying somewhere else. It will make a big difference in your life!
About the Author
Dr. Arrechea has over 20 years of experience practicing dentistry and is passionate about helping her patients keep their oral health on the right track. With a goal of minimizing the progression and spread of small dental problems, like cavities, Dr. Arrechea aims to help her patients enjoy whole and healthy smiles for their entire lives. To ring in the new year with a checkup and cleaning, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website or call 214-624-6221.