Good food is one of the defining characteristics of the holiday season, and while not all foods are bad for your teeth, over indulgence on anything can prove harmful. The good news is that you don’t have to forego your favorite treats of the season just to protect the health and integrity of your teeth. With a little forethought and adherence to the principles of good hygiene, you can raise your chances of keeping your teeth healthy this holiday.
Protecting Teeth During the Festivities
- Keep water handy – Ideally, you could protect your teeth by brushing them shortly after you eat, every time you eat. Realistically, however, that isn’t usually possible, but you can rinse your mouth by drinking water every time you finish a snack. Keep a bottle or glass of water handy to drink from whenever you need it.
- Eat plenty of vegetables – Be sure to load your plate with plenty of vegetables as well as everything else. Your teeth need certain nutrients to stay healthy, many of which are found in a variety of vegetables. Protecting your teeth from harmful foods, like sugar, requires giving them the essential minerals and nutrients they need to stay strong, like calcium.
- Brush before the big meal – Oral bacteria, the building blocks of plaque, feed on the nutrients you eat and drink, then convert those nutrients into harmful substances. One of the most effective ways to protect your teeth from these substances is to limit how many oral bacteria are present when you eat. Before sitting down for big meals, take a few minutes to brush the plaque and bacteria off of your teeth and gums first.
Enjoy the Holidays with a Healthier Smile
With these few tips, you can protect the health of your teeth and smile while enjoying the many treats of the holiday season. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your dentist by calling Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, at (724) 285-4153. Our Smile Certified experts happily serve patients from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.