The festive season is almost in full swing and no doubt you’re looking forward to spending some quality time with loved ones, celebrations with friends, and of course plenty of delicious food and treats. However, if you’re not careful, festive indulgences can take their toll on your dental health. From sugary desserts to endless party snacks, it’s vital not to let your oral hygiene slip if you want to keep your smile looking merry and bright. Fortunately, we’ve put together some expert tips for healthy teeth throughout this busy time of year.
1. Be mindful of sugary treats
While they’re hard to resist, holiday treats like candy, cookies and cake can be harmful to your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth feast on sugar, converting it to acids that erode tooth enamel and can lead to caries. Moderate sweet treats and whenever possible, opt for healthier alternatives like fresh fruit.
Pro tip: Try to consume sugary foods with meals rather than as snacks. Your saliva production ramps up during meals and this helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
2. Stay hydrated
To keep your teeth healthy during this busy season it’s important to remain hydrated. With the plethora of cocktails, sodas and hot cocoa on offer, it’s easy to forget about water. Drinking water supports your overall health, prevents dry mouth, and also helps rinse away food debris.
Pro tip: Keep a water bottle by your side and take frequent sips, especially after consuming alcohol, which can dehydrate your mouth and reduce saliva flow, and after drinking acidic drinks like wine and fruit juices.
3. Choose teeth-friendly foods
Be sure to balance sugary treats with foods that are good for your teeth. There are plenty to choose from and keeping a few healthy choices in mind will help you navigate your next party buffet. Here are some teeth-friendly choices:
Turkey: Turkey is a great source of phosphorus, which supports strong teeth. It’s also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your holiday meals.
Veggies: Snacking on crunchy vegetables from the veggie tray, such as carrots and celery, can help clean food particles from your teeth and stimulate your gums, promoting better dental health.
Pro tip: Consider adding cheese from the charcuterie board to your plate. Its mineral content helps strengthen teeth, while its ability to balance your mouth’s pH level can reduce cavity-causing acids.
4. Be cautious with candy cane and caramels
Another of our tips for healthy teeth during the festive season is to approach candy canes and caramels with caution. Biting down wrong on a candy cane can crack a tooth – instead, wait for the candies to dissolve to prevent chipping or damaging a tooth. Also, be mindful of chewy or sticky caramels that can cling to your teeth and be difficult to remove.
Pro tip: By all means enjoy these treats but drink water immediately after and brush your teeth as soon as you can.
5. Don’t skip brushing and flossing
The festive holidays can disrupt your routine but it’s crucial to maintain your brushing and flossing habits. Be sure to brush twice daily (or more) for at least two minutes and floss once a day to remove any build-up of bacterial plaque.
Pro-tip: Keep a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag for when you’re attending an overnight gathering or long holiday event.
6. Don’t let your teeth stain
It would be a shame to undo any teeth-whitening efforts so remember that certain holiday foods and beverages rich in pigments, acids and sugar can discolor your teeth.
Cranberry sauce and red wine: Both of these holiday staples are rich in tannin and dark pigments which cling to enamel causing discoloration. Their acidic properties also weaken enamel giving easier access to stains.
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate: During the chilly winter months, tea, coffee and hot chocolate are many people’s go-to beverages. Unfortunately, they have stain-inducing properties. Tea and coffee, in particular, are well known for causing brown or yellow enamel discoloration over time.
Sugary treats and dark chocolate: From festive cookies to dark chocolate, sweet treats can also stain teeth. While the sugar itself, doesn’t cause stains, it feeds the bacteria in the mouth and produces acids that weaken the tooth enamel. Although dark chocolate is healthier than white chocolate it contains tannins that may also leave behind stains.
Pro tip: We’re not suggesting you give up festive treats altogether. There are steps you can take to protect your teeth. Consider drinking water alongside wine and alcohol or use a straw to minimize contact with the teeth. Brushing your teeth regularly also helps prevent stains
7. Schedule a post-holiday checkup
After the holiday festivities, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning to help remove any lingering plaque or tartar build-up.
Keep your smile sparkling all year long by scheduling a post-holiday dental checkup at Mint Dental in Anchorage. Our friendly and experienced team is here to ensure your teeth stay healthy and bright. Contact us today to book your appointment and start the new year with a radiant smile!
With these simple yet effective tips for healthy teeth, you can enjoy the holiday season while keeping your oral health in tip-top shape. Happy Holidays from all of us at Mint Dental!
