Tips For Enjoying Teeth-Friendly Christmas Celebrations

Christmas is around the corner! All the fun and festivities seem to make people forget about taking care of their teeth and gums. However, this is a misconception that you must stay away from your oral hygiene routine during Christmas. Here are some teeth-friendly Christmas tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine to ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene during the season:

Avoid Sticky Candy and Sweet Treats

Although the holiday season is a time to enjoy sweet treats, it might be best to avoid sticky candy and sweet snacks altogether. A piece of gum after a meal can help protect tooth enamel from the acids that can be found in sticky candies and other sweets. If you do have a piece of candy this holiday season, rinse your mouth out with water afterward. This can help prevent bacteria from building up in your teeth and causing cavities. You might also want to use a straw when drinking sugary drinks like soda or eggnog. This prevents the liquids from traveling over the surface of your tooth enamel.

Rinse With After-Dinner Drinks

Alcohol and sugary holiday treat like cookies and cakes can be a recipe for cavities if they aren’t rinsed away properly. A refreshing glass of water or mouthwash will help wash away the sugars and acids that set you up for painful tooth decay symptoms. Your mouth will thank you in the morning!

Chew Sugar-Free Gum after Meals

If you indulge in holiday treats, then brush your teeth or chew sugar-free gum afterward to remove plaque-causing food particles and bacteria from your teeth. Since saliva production decreases at night, brushing before bed is especially important. Use fluoride toothpaste containing the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Floss daily before you go to bed.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

From all the sweet treats and decadent dishes to champagne, wine, and other alcoholic drinks, the holidays are full of temptations that can wreak havoc on your teeth. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to enjoy your festivities without ruining your smile. The first thing you should remember is to keep up with your regular brushing and flossing schedule. Try to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, making sure to reach every tooth surface and floss at least once daily. It is also a good idea to rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash after enjoying any sugary or acidic food item to help remove any lingering particles and keep bacteria at bay. Calculus, also known as tartar, can also form more easily from the extra sugar in the foods consumed during the holiday season. You can easily remove this buildup with a professional dental cleaning or a deep cleaning from your dentist’s office that uses special tools to remove the calculus deposits. Finally, don’t forget to visit your dentist in Yuma for regular checkups and cleanings to keep your oral health on track!

Visit Picacho Dental 3325 S Ave 8 E Suite 4, Yuma, AZ 85365, for a consultation to discuss the best dental treatment option for you. Make your appointment at (928) 344-3177 right away.