The winter months bring in cold air and warm feelings as you celebrate the season. Families gather together and exchange smiles and gifts while the weather outside turns frightful. If you plan to indulge in these festivities, just remember your dental health. Sugary treats and delectable dishes will turn your teeth sour if you’re not mindful!
Continue reading to find ways to keep your smile merry and bright this year.
1. Ditch the Candy Canes
It may sound like blasphemy to holiday aficionados, but candy canes are some of the worst treats for your teeth. Not only are they sugary, but they’re also hard and require prolonged savoring to enjoy.
Why risk chipped teeth and cavities to get your mint fix? If you have to have minty sweets, try dark chocolate peppermint patties instead. They’ll melt in your mouth and satisfy your mint cravings.
2. Skip the Sodas
When you’re gathered with friends and family, it can be easy to forget that you’re sucking down sugar. Sodas are terrible for teeth and your gut in multiple ways. The acid will wear away at your tooth enamel while the sugar feeds bacteria that cause cavities.
Try to drink water and provide it to your guests aplenty. If you have guests that won’t drink water straight, try infusing it with fresh fruit. Just put your favorite fruit in a large jug and fill it with water to chill overnight in the fridge. Delicious and refreshing!
3. Make a Traveling Dental Kit
With all the traveling going on during the holidays, you may accidentally leave your toothbrush at home. To avoid this, create a small travel-sized kit that you can keep in your vehicle or in your bag. Stock it with dental floss, a toothbrush, and a small toothpaste tube. Now, no matter where you go, you can keep up with your dental hygiene routine.
4. Chow Down on Cheese
While some holiday foods are detrimental to teeth, cheese is a big exception. It’s a soft protein packed with probiotics. This delightful holiday snack can be purchased in many forms and will clean your teeth as you chew. The bacteria present in some cheeses are also highly beneficial to your mouth biome.
5. Plan Alternate Activities
It’s easy to get caught up in tradition. So many times, family gatherings are specifically structured to maximize food intake. This year, break that mold.
Plan fun activities such as neighborhood strolls, board games, or storytelling. This will help your food settle and prevent grazing that tends to happen when there’s nothing to do except eat.
With these tips, you can make your holidays better for your teeth and your family! So, indulge in the joy of company, savor the flavors responsibly, and let your healthy, smile light up the room. Happy holidays!
About the Practice
At Danville Dental Associates, you’ll find a large team of dental experts working with their patients to improve their smiles and their lives. Each of their locations is staffed with friendly people and equipped with the latest dental technology to ensure fast and painless treatment. To schedule an appointment, call (434) 793-4116 or visit the website to explore other services.