Oral Care Tips for Christmas

Christmas is a time for celebration and giving. It is also a time for spending time with family, friends, and loved ones and exchanging gifts. But it is also a time when we tend to indulge in high-calorie foods and sweets, which can have adverse effects on our oral health.

As we’re about to enter the festive season, it’s also time to remind patients of the importance of maintaining good oral health over the festive period – especially with all those delicious treats and desserts! While it’s great to treat yourself over the Christmas season, remember that it’s not a good idea to eat too many sugary sweets. Here are ways to keep your mouth healthy:

• If you do indulge, make sure you brush your teeth soon after – and do it thoroughly to ensure there isn’t a buildup of harmful plaque on your teeth.
• If you’ve eaten something particularly sugary or rich, it’s best to wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth. Otherwise, you risk scrubbing away your enamel and causing your teeth to become more sensitive. 
• Remember to brush regularly, too, despite the holidays – not only does it help to keep teeth clean and healthy, but it can also help you avoid developing cavities and gum disease. 
• Mouthwash is an easy addition to any daily routine because it doesn’t require any change in your routine in order to use it. Simply swish it around in your mouth for a full minute every day before brushing your teeth with it. This will kill off the bacteria responsible for bad breath and also help prevent plaque buildup on your teeth. 
• Many people enjoy sugary and alcoholic drinks during the Christmas season, which can really take a toll on your teeth. To combat this, you should aim to drink water as much as possible. Water can help to wash away the bacteria that cause tooth decay. It can also help to rinse food particles from your teeth and prevent plaque buildup. 
• Holiday celebrations often include sugary, sticky sweets and treats. These can be very harmful to your teeth. Sticky candies can cling to the teeth, promoting the formation of harmful plaque that leads to tooth decay. The sugar in candy also feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. It’s wise to avoid snacking on sugary treats throughout the day. Try eating a meal of healthy foods and snacks instead. This will keep your mouth full of strong, healthy saliva that will naturally help cleanse your teeth of food particles and sugars.
• Brushing and flossing every day is great, but it’s no substitute for professional cleanings. The acid and bacteria found in your saliva can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Your dentist can also find signs of gum disease early when it’s most treatable. And that’s important because the earlier it’s treated, the less impact it has on your oral health, overall wellness, and quality of life. So if you don’t already have a relationship with a dentist, now’s the time to get one! 

Get in touch with Peak Family Dentistry at 4933 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411, or call (423) 899-1948 to schedule an appointment for the best dental care based on your specific needs.