Are you dreaming of sugarplums and all sweets holiday-related? Don't worry, we get it! It's hard not to give in to your sweet tooth around this time of year. But you do have to be careful – lollies can wear down your teeth and give you cavities. And trust us, a cavity could totally ruin your holiday, you won't be able to enjoy the rest of the season's sweets!
What can you do to protect your teeth, you ask? Don't fret, we've got some tips for you – just check them out below.
Drink more water
Most tap water has fluoride in it which can help keep teeth strong so just drinking water throughout the day will help wash away the sticky candy that's clung to your teeth. You want to ensure you're adequately hydrated because saliva lends a big hand in removing the food particles and acids from foods that would otherwise wear enamel down.
Mix in some healthy foods
This isn't a diet tip! There are just some foods that naturally help keep your teeth clean. So if you're big on the sweets, be sure to mix in some of these (holiday appropriate) snacks:
- Keep some carrots for yourself after feeding the reindeer.
- Share an apple with Santa.
- Pop a bowl of unsweeted popcorn for tree decorations and snacking.
Brush your teeth regularly
A good brushing routine is important all year round, but especially so during the holidays! A brush in the morning and again before you go to bed should help protect you, but if you find yourself indulging in a particularly sticky midday sweet it might be in your best interest to do a quick brush. This routine should also include flossing as it will help remove those stubborn food bits from the cracks between your teeth and gums.
Happy holidays everyone!
Get help if you sense trouble
If you crack a tooth on some hard candy or really overindulge and feel a cavity coming on, you have to move quickly! You can act the fastest by booking online with us (how many other dentists can say that? Answer: not many). City Dentists makes it easy to schedule an appointment for a variety of services – everything from a regular check up to dental emergencies – so you can get back to enjoying the holidays in no time.
Be sure to consult our holiday hours, as they are are a little different. Happy holidays everyone!