The holiday season brings with it a lot of unhealthy food that, if eaten in excess, can be detrimental to our dental and overall health. However, these foods are an integral part of the entire holiday season experience, and without the candy, the cookies, and the pies, it just doesn't feel like the holiday season.
The good news is you don't have to skip the sweets and snacks altogether. You just need to take a little extra care of your oral health so that you don't end up excessively damaging your teeth.
Tips to Protect Your Oral Health
It will take a little extra effort on your end to ensure you can stay on top of your dental and oral hygiene requirements throughout the holiday season.
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Try to not overdo it on your sugar intake – Because sugary pastries make an integral part of the holiday menu, it is easy to consume one too many. Make sure you watch how much sugar you are eating, as it can lead to excessive bacteria production in the mouth and can significantly damage your teeth' enamel. You can choose low sugar alternatives such as pumpkin pie and oatmeal or nut-based cookies.
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Brush and floss as needed – Brushing and flossing twice a day should be your regular dental and oral healthcare routine. However, during the holiday season, increase that number to thrice a day, especially if you've had many snacks and other sugary items.
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Invest in a nutcracker – It may be tempting to take up your friend's challenge and crack nuts with your teeth. Please do not actually do so. Breaking the hard exterior with your teeth can weaken your teeth and even cause chipping.
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Get an appointment with a dentist – Once the holiday season is over, book an appointment with your dentist to get a thorough cleaning of your teeth and mouth. You don't want to let the plaque build-up in the curves and crevices of your teeth to get out of hand and ruin your smile's appearance and cause cavities.
The holiday season brings with it a lot of unhealthy food that, if eaten in excess, can be detrimental to our dental and overall health. However, these foods are an integral part of the entire holiday season experience, and without the candy, the cookies, and the pies, it just doesn't feel like the holiday season.