Top 7 Dental Tips for Christmas from Captivate Dental

The holiday season is usually synonymous with many delicious food and treats.

It’s the time of the year when everyone – even those who’ve been extremely careful about what they put in their mouths for most of the year – feels tempted to let their guard down and embark on a cheat day binge to enjoy their favourite delicacies without any guilt whatsoever.

Some can resist temptation, while others are not.

The holidays are a time for celebration with family and friends, not to damage your attractive smile or the condition of your teeth and gums.

We understand that it’s hard to stay focused, but we want to encourage you to stick to good dental health habits no matter how tempting it is to overindulge.

Here are some dental tips to maintain the fun and delight of the holidays without sacrificing the health of your smile.

#1 Beware of the buffet

It can be enticing to graze all day over the holidays – delicious food surrounds us. Eating all day increases the risk of tooth decay by leaving food for bacteria in our mouth for an extended period, eventually leading to pain.

For a snack, go for tooth-friendly items like raw vegetables or cheese.

#2 Don’t brush after bubbly

Sparkling wine is sweet and acidic, which is twice as damaging to your tooth enamel; if you drink it, wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth to reduce the damage. The same is true for all acidic foods and beverages.

#3 Keep drinking water

While you’ll need lots of energy for the holiday festivities, avoid sugar-filled juices, sports drinks, and sodas. Consume fluoridated water to maintain strong, healthy teeth.

#4 Choose dark chocolate over sticky toffee

While it may not be possible to abstain from sweets entirely during the holidays, you may reduce the chance of dental damage by avoiding toffees and hard candies that can cause teeth to crack or remain in your mouth longer.

#5 Watch your wine glass

Keep in mind that red can cause dental stains. Your white smile is less at risk when you drink white wine. If you like red wine, try it with food to avoid tooth discolouration. If you enjoy red wine, clean your teeth thoroughly and match it with foods that are good for your teeth, such as cheese and veggies.

#6 Don’t forget your regular routine

No matter how difficult it may be, it’s imperative to maintain your daily oral health routine despite the chaos of the holiday season. Make sure to floss after each meal and brush your teeth at least two times a day.

#7 Schedule a dental check-up appointment

During the holidays and all year long, practise routine preventative dental care, so take the time to schedule an appointment with your Cheltenham dentist.

Wait… here’s more!

Choose toys instead of treats

Give your kids a countdown with enjoyable family activities, jokes, or riddles instead of a bag full of sugary sweets.

Carol as you clean

Although most individuals don’t brush for two minutes every time, you’ll probably meet your goal if you hum a few lines of your favourite Christmas carols as you brush.

Don’t cut tape with teeth

Teeth are only meant for eating. Refrain from using them to pry open tight bottle tops, shred tape, or shatter nuts. We want the holidays to be free of emergencies!

Take more turkey

Turkey is one of the holiday meals that is best for our teeth since it contains phosphorous, a protein that helps to build stronger teeth and bones. Feel free to dive right in!

Pack your toothbrush

Going on a holiday getaway? Don’t forget to pack your essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and any current treatments (e.g. Invisalign trays).

Need More Dental Tips? Visit Your Cheltenham Dentist Today!

Do you need a check-up before or after the Holiday season ends?

Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment and keep your dental health in check!

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Call us on (03) 9553 1249 or request your appointment online.

We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.