The holidays are an exciting time of the year as you gather with friends and loved ones to exchange gifts and spend quality time together over warm meals. Although you anticipate the festivities, you’re going to be busier than usual, so certain things may move lower on your priority list. As you make your holiday plans, be sure a healthy smile stays at the top of your list. Here are 5 tips for a healthy holiday smile to ensure you don’t receive any unexpected news during your next visit to your dentist in Stephens City.
Keep Your Smile Healthy for the Holidays
You’ll be surrounded by tempting sweets and treats throughout the season, but these simple tips will help you keep your smile healthy without impacting your celebrations.
- Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated isn’t just important for your overall well-being, but it’s also essential to your dental health. It’s always best to choose water over sugary drinks because it helps cleanse your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria in between brushing and flossing. It also keeps your mouth moist to combat bacteria buildup that can lead to bad breath.
- Eat Dessert with Dinner
You’ve been told all your life you need to finish your dinner before you can have your dessert, but your dentist will encourage you to eat your sweets with your meal. Chewing increases your saliva production to clean your teeth. Eating your dessert with your dinner will ensure harmful sugars don’t linger in your mouth.
- Snack on Cheese
Cheese is a great source of calcium and phosphate to balance pH levels in your mouth. It also helps to preserve your enamel and increases saliva production to reduce your risk of tooth decay.
- Choose Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables act like scrub brushes for your teeth when you bite into them. This helps remove biofilm that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. It’s best to choose apples, celery, or carrots over sugary treats to make the smart choice for your smile.
- Chew Sugarless Gum
Sugarless gum is a great way to keep your smile clean when you can’t reach for your toothbrush. It increases your saliva production to remove harmful bacteria to reduce your risk of common oral health issues, like cavities. Not to mention, you’ll enjoy minty fresh breath to combat any odors lingering in your mouth.
Enjoy a Healthy Smile
Although your schedule is a bit busier during the holidays, take the time to commit to your dental health. With a few simple changes, you can ensure you start the new year with a healthy, beautiful smile.
About Dr. Thomas A. Gromling
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling has over 40 years of experience in dentistry. He creates generations of beautiful smiles using the latest innovations in dentistry. He focuses on prevention to keep the teeth and gums healthy. If you need an appointment for a cleaning and checkup before the holidays, contact our office today.