The holidays are a joyous time of family, friends, and good food. Comfort food is the theme when it comes to the holidays, especially sugary treats that you don’t get year-round. Yet when you are eating these high-calorie, sugar-filled foods, you need to be aware of what they are doing to your body. Not only can eating too much of these foods cause you to gain weight, it could damage your teeth. Here are some ways that you can protect your teeth this holiday season.
Everything in Moderation
It is important that you don’t go overboard with the sweet treats and other foods that cause plaque and tartar buildup. Enjoy all of the treats that are made for you, but do so in moderation. Make sure that after you eat these sweets that you drink a glass of water to rinse the sugar away from your mouth. Letting sugar sit on your teeth will cause cavities.
Don’t Forget to Brush
When you are traveling to see family, have family visiting, or you have many people to visit in a short time, it can really throw off your routines. Make sure that your dental hygiene routine doesn’t fail during this busy time. Keep brushing your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once per day. Using mouthwash between brushes will help keep your teeth clean and healthy, no matter what you eat.
Chew Gum
Invest in some sugar-free chewing gum sweetened with xylitol. This gum is perfectly safe for your teeth, and it can actually help save your teeth from decay. After you eat foods that stick to your teeth, chew a piece of the gum to clean your teeth. Chewing the gum will also increase saliva production to rinse the food away from your teeth. This is the best option when you are on the go and can’t brush or use mouthwash.
If you get through the holiday season and discover that you have developed gum or tooth issues, don’t wait to get them addressed. Contact us today for an appointment.
