The holiday season often brings an abundance of sweet treats and festive indulgences. While celebrating is essential, it's crucial to remember to prioritize your oral health.
Mindful Indulgence
Delicious though they are, the sugars in gingerbread cookies, candy canes, peppermint bark, pie, hot chocolate, and eggnog can provide a fertile breeding ground for the bacteria that leads to plaque and tartar.
We’d never tell anyone to never indulge in these sweet delights. However, It is crucial to remember that moderation is key. Enjoying your favorite treats in moderation, especially those that are less sticky and likely to cling to your teeth, can help minimize the negative impact of sugar on your teeth. Also, whenever possible, try to indulge in more tooth-friendly snacks like cheese and whole-grain crackers, raw vegetables with hummus, vegetable-based dips, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.
Hydration Is Key...
Holiday indulgence doesn’t stop at food. This time of year, with more gatherings and parties with friends, family, and colleagues, brings with it an array of sweet and savory dishes and more cocktails and sugary drinks than usual with which to enjoy them. If a person is not careful, feelings of dehydration can begin to emerge.
Staying properly hydrated during the holidays benefits oral and overall health. Drinking water regularly after consuming sugary snacks is highly recommended, as it helps rinse your mouth and flush away the food particles and sugars that can lead to bacteria that cause plaque, tartar, and cavities.
... As Is Maintaining Your Oral Care Routine
Amidst the festivities, it's vital to stick to, if not upgrade, your regular oral care routine. During the holidays, make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day – more if you are eating meals and snacks high in sugar. If brushing isn't immediately possible, rinse your mouth with water. Also, as a supplement to help reduce the impact of sugar on your teeth, rinse regularly with antibacterial mouthwash.
Just remember, you can enjoy the holiday season without compromising your dental health by adopting mindful eating habits, staying hydrated, and maintaining consistent oral care practices.
Helping Preserve Your Oral Health During the Holidays in Germantown, MD
If you’re in the Germantown area and looking for a top-quality dental team to help you and your family navigate the holiday season with radiant smiles intact, contact Dr. Fernando Archuleta and the team at Century Dental to schedule an appointment!