The holidays are fast approaching, and you likely can’t wait any longer as you think about the foods that you can sink your teeth into. From pastries to chocolates, every moment during the season of giving is surely going to be sweet. However, aside from the additional pounds you could gain from your meals, you will be doing lots of mouth action that involves your teeth and gums. You wouldn’t want to deal with a toothache or any other oral issue during the holidays, right?
If you want to keep your dental health in check as you enjoy the holidays, here five tips you should follow:
1. Take Time To Eat Healthy Foods
Even though the holidays are the perfect time to indulge in various delicacies, that doesn’t mean you should go overboard. Give yourself (just enough) freedom to enjoy delicious treats during this season, but also add healthy foods into the mix, such as fruits and vegetables that can help with oral health. Carrots are helpful in fighting cavities as they act as a natural toothbrush. Additionally, leafy greens, apples, and cheese can help improve dental health.
2. Be Mindful Of Eating Too Many Treats
Sweet, sticky, extra-hard, and gummy foods are indeed delicious, but they are the worst nightmare for your gums and teeth. Yes, we understand that it can be challenging to avoid these treats, but you must find the right balance. What you need to be mindful of is not to overindulge and ensure you maintain good oral hygiene throughout the holiday season.
3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you should put off your good oral health habits! Keep in mind that you will be consuming lots of foods and drinks that can damage your teeth and gums. This is the best time to carefully follow a dental care routine—brush your teeth after meals and floss daily.
4. Drink Plenty Of Water
During this time of the year, sugary drinks and alcohol will likely be part of your meals. However, you should be cautious about how much you drink and make sure to drink plenty of water. Water can help wash away bacteria in your mouth and also help with your digestion. Moreover, drinking fluids can help you curb cravings, which will prevent you from adding a few extra pounds.
5. Pair Alcohol With Cheese
It’s challenging not to have a drink or two during holiday celebrations. However, alcoholic beverages may be harmful to the teeth. If you really can’t avoid drinking, you can pair it with cheese instead because it will help neutralize the harsh effects of alcohol on your teeth, especially if you’re drinking wine. By eating cheese in between drinking, you get to cut the acid content of the wine.
Conclusion
It’s easy to indulge in various delicacies and drink sugary and alcoholic beverages during the holidays—the festive season calls for a celebration, and you eat and drink to celebrate. However, if you don’t want to gain extra pounds, and compromise your dental health, be mindful of the foods and drinks you consume. Likewise, it’s very important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the holiday season, such as by following the tips listed above.
Are you looking for a family dentist in Chattanooga? Our four dentists bring over 75 years of combined dental experience into one team to create a healthy environment of experience and expertise that benefits every patient. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our wide range of dental treatments!