The holidays are here – Bring on the feasting and delicious desserts! This time of year is filled with rich foods and decadent sweets; all of these indulgences can lead to a variety of oral health challenges so it’s important to remember to take good care of our mouths. It is a great time to talk about how to keep our mouths healthy and maintain good oral health habits through what might be called the “sugar season.” At La Mesa Hills Dentistry, we want you to enjoy your holidays to the fullest, but also remember to take care to keep your mouth healthy this holiday season.
Here are a few tips from LMHD for keeping your mouth healthy this holiday season:
✓ Time Those Treats Wisely
Time your treats to coincide with meals, or shortly after mealtime, because saliva production is increased at this time. Increased levels of saliva help cancel out the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles that get stuck in the teeth.
✓ Choose Carefully
Some sweet treats are harder on your teeth than others, so avoid hard candies and sticky candies (taffy and gummy bears for example) that will get stuck in the teeth. Sweets that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject our teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.
✓ Maintain a Healthy Diet
In order to counteract the negative effect of increased sugar and treats over the holidays, fuel your body with whole foods and the nutrients it needs. Eat wholesome meals and balance out the sugary treats you’ve been enjoying with healthy snacks, such as carrot sticks or apple slices; this will allow you to take care of your oral health, as well as your overall health.
✓ Drink Plenty of Water
With all the treats this sugar season, make a choice to avoid sugary beverages, including soda, sports drinks and flavored waters. When teeth come in frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar, the risk of tooth decay is increased. Drink more water instead! Drinking fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay, and drinking more water in general will help keep the mouth clean and free of the sugary food particles that can become stuck in the teeth and cause decay.
✓ Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss!
It is extra important to maintain a good daily oral healthcare routine through the holiday season, including flossing your teeth each day and brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line, reaching the decay-causing bacteria that hides between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
This holiday season, follow these tips so that you and your family can enjoy the holidays and all the treats of the season. At La Mesa Hills Dentistry in La Mesa Hills, California, we encourage you to embrace the joys of the season, but still remember your commitment to health. By brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting our office regularly, we can help you ensure your mouth stays in top health. Call 619-469-2902 or click here to book an appointment with La Mesa Hills Dentistry today!