The holidays can be a great time to get together with family and friends for good food, good conversation, and creating lasting memories. But it can also leave a lasting effect on teeth. Smiles are important no matter the time of year, which is why it is essential that individuals take precautions to care for their pearly whites by following these four holiday oral health tips this season.
Water is Best
When seated at the table, it’s easy to indulge in a glass of wine because everyone else is doing the same. But if cavities and tooth decay are to be avoided, water is best. Wine contains a lot of sugar and can easily stain teeth (if it is red). Consuming one or more glasses increases the risk of tooth decay. Water, however, is a safe beverage for anyone because of its hydrating benefits. But it doesn’t just positively impact the body, it also flushed out any harmful oral bacteria and keeps salivary glands working at an optimal level.
Pile On Protein and Veggies
Although the candied sweet potatoes might be more appealing than the bowl of steamed broccoli, a person’s teeth will benefit more from the latter. Adding more protein and vegetables to one’s plate at Thanksgiving will not only prove to be more filling, but it will also minimize any potential damage to tooth enamel. Packed full of nutrients that can serve to strengthen teeth and combat decay, the protein and veggies consumed will reduce the chances of visiting an emergency dentist over Thanksgiving.
Minimize Sweet Treats
Passing on grandma’s pecan pie or blackberry cobbler might seem impossible. These sweet treats might come only once a year, but they can do much damage to a person’s smile. Containing high amounts of sugar, the desserts found around a Thanksgiving table are often the most dangerous to teeth and gums. Individuals who cannot forgo a slice should remember to drink plenty of water while consuming as well as practice optimal oral hygiene before going to bed. This means brushing for two minutes, flossing, and rinsing.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Dental floss is an essential component of any good oral hygiene routine, but it is also helpful when enjoying a Thanksgiving meal. Because many of the foods can easily get stuck between teeth, having waxed floss on hand can help to reduce any discomfort that might develop as a result of the foods eaten. It also serves to eliminate bad oral bacteria that can easily cause gum disease and tooth decay.
The holidays don’t have to get the best of a person’s smile. Instead, adopting these helpful tips can minimize the risk of visiting the emergency dentist in Lake Zurich and instead, allow for more time spent with family and friends.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, we have two general dentists, an orthodontist, and a periodontist under a single roof. Having multiple experts in one place allows us to provide our patients with truly comprehensive oral health care. Our team is here to offer solutions that are designed to improve oral health year after year. When the holidays arrive, let us recommend ways to minimize the potential risk of decay and cavities with helpful tips and tricks. To schedule an appointment with us, visit our website or call (847) 443-3953.