This is the time of year you’ve been waiting on. There are decorations everywhere, people singing carols and the season’s delights are abound for you to indulge in. While it’s important to have fun times like these where you can “let your hair down,” your dentist in Dublin warns not to do it at the expense of your dental wellness. Thus, there are 5 tips you should keep in mind to protect your oral health over the holidays.
Tip #1 – Set a Food Budget and Follow It
While the holiday season is a great time to sample your favorite delights, the act of grazing all day can become detrimental to your oral health. That’s because it constantly bathes your teeth in sugars, acidic fluids and other agents that can lead to tooth decay.
A remedy is to set a daily food budget and stick to it. One suggestion is to determine what time of day you will consume your holiday foods, which will give your teeth a break from the rich ingredients during the other parts of the day.
Tip #2 – Drink Plenty of Water
The human body is mostly composed of water. Thus, it’s vital to your oral and overall health to consume the right daily amount (a half ounce per pound of weight). It benefits your dental wellness in that it helps to remove leftover food particles by bathing your teeth after a meal.
Tip #3 – Brush and Floss Regularly
Consuming sugary foods and beverages is far less detrimental to your oral health when you practice excellent oral hygiene. Here are some strategies to help maximize your efforts:
- Brush and floss after eating holiday meals to immediately remove the leftover debris and lessen your chances of cavity development.
- When you brush your teeth, be sure to do it for at least two minutes to allow enough time to thoroughly clean your digits.
- To prevent gum irritation from the more frequent oral hygiene sessions, be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Tip #4 – Keep Mouthwash Handy
If you can’t brush or floss your teeth after eating a meal, then you should keep a bottle of mouthwash nearby to rinse your mouth and many of the harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Keep in mind, though, this is a temporary solution for when you’re on the go. Thus, it’s not a substitute for properly brushing and flossing your teeth.
Tip #5 – Visit Your Dentist
Finally, you can never go wrong with visiting your dentist semi-annually for cleanings and check-ups. These appointments will allow the professionals at your dentist’s office to clean and examine your teeth to make sure they are as healthy as possible. Then, if there are some challenges that need to be addressed, they can be tackled early.
The holiday season is a magical time of the year. To ensure that you can enjoy these priceless moments as much as possible, take the time to visit your dentist for the preventive care you need.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck offers compassionate and competent care to all his patients. Furthermore, he helps them enjoy the best in oral health by providing them with information they can use outside the office. The Ohio State University College of Dentistry graduate helps patients experience greater holiday cheer through improved oral health at Distinctive Smiles, and he can be reached for more information through his website.