With the holiday season here, we know life can get a little crazy and schedules out of whack. Enjoy these 12 dental tips to help get you through the holiday season with a healthy, happy smile.
On the FIRST day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…brush your teeth. As tempting as it may be to cut your brushing routine short, be sure to follow the two minute, twice a day rule throughout the holiday season. When you skip a brushing session, you leave your teeth and gums susceptible to bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
On the SECOND day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…get into the holiday spirit while cleaning your teeth. Hum or listen to your favorite holiday carols while you brush your teeth.
On the THIRD day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…keep hydrated. Water can keep hunger at bay and re-hydrate the body. It also helps rinse away and sticky, sugary residue from your teeth.
On the FOURTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…watch your wine consumption. If you like a nice red wine, remember it can stain your teeth or dull the brightness. If you are drinking wine, red or white, it’s still important to brush your teeth as soon as you can.
On the FIFTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…drink less soda. While we all love soda, it’s packed with sugar and the acid can damage your teeth. As you attend your holiday parties, look for healthy alternatives at the beverage bar such as lightly flavored water.
On the SIXTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…be cautious of the candy cane. Hard candies, like candy canes, threaten your teeth because they can crack them, plus their sticky, sugary nature promotes tooth decay. If you do enjoy the sticky treat, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse right after eating.
On the SEVENTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…have a sweet tooth? Eat fruit. Instead of sweets, take in natural sugar. Instead of a cookie tray, bring a fruit tray to your next holiday party.
On the EIGHTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…always carry sugar-free gum. When you can’t brush, chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by bacteria.
On the NINTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…don’t eat the ice. While blenders are perfect for crunching ice cubes, teeth are not. Also, be careful when chewing popcorn or nuts.
On the TENTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…don’t use your teeth as a tool. In all of the excitement of the holidays, it can be easy to rip open packages, cut off tags or open bottle caps with your teeth. Instead, reach for the appropriate tool to avoid a dental emergency this holiday season.
On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…fill your stocking with smile saving tools. Who doesn’t love fun stocking stuffers?!? Instead of throwing in candies and little trinkets, try stuffing the sock with a new toothbrush, cool dental tools like a flavored toothpaste, or brightly colored flossers.
On the TWELFTH day of Christmas my dentists tip for me…make the holidays more meaningful. Many often celebrate with enormous amounts of food. This is neither good for your smile nor your waistline. Try playing more games, interacting with your loved ones by completing crafts or watching holiday movies. If you must snack, choose mouth healthy options such as cheese platters, veggie trays or fruit spreads.
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