Healthy Holiday Teeth Tips 

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Is there anything better than enjoying sweet treats and celebrating the holidays with those you love? Many people celebrate the holidays with their favorite foods and drinks, but what does that do to your teeth? Here are our healthy holiday teeth tips to keep your smile happy and healthy through the new year. 

Do Holiday Treats Take a Toll on Our Teeth?

As the holiday season is in full swing, it’s time to start enjoying our favorite treats. However, can those sweet treats take a toll on our teeth? Here is what you need to know:

Many holiday foods are highly acidic, like oranges or cranberry sauce, and can cause some damage to your teeth. Further, acidic foods make it easier for plaque to stick to your teeth. Bacteria in plaque can produce acid that is harmful to tooth enamel. In addition to sweet treats, many of your favorite holiday cocktails are also highly acidic and can lead to decreased saliva production. Your saliva helps protect your teeth against oral bacteria that cause cavities. The sugars in foods and drinks can also coat your teeth and make it harder for saliva to do its job.

Healthy Holiday Teeth Tips

While holiday treats can put a damper on holiday festivities, you don’t have to forgo holiday foods and drinks entirely. Here are some healthy holiday teeth tips from Young Family Dental:

  • Drink water in between holiday foods and drinks. This will help flush out the harmful sugars and acids found in holiday treats and drinks. This is especially important if you are enjoying holiday drinks that are high in sugar, like eggnog or mulled wine.
  • If you are going to indulge in holiday treats, be sure to brush your teeth and floss 30 minutes after eating. This will help remove any harmful plaque bacteria and sugars from your teeth. However, be sure you wait 30 minutes. If you brush any sooner, your teeth are still in a vulnerable state and can do more harm for your smile than good.
  • Consider using a fluoride mouthwash. Using a fluoride mouthwash after brushing can help further protect your teeth against holiday treats.
  • Visit your dentist in December. With many dental insurance plans, this is your last month to use or lose dental benefits. If you are having any issues with your teeth and gum, make an appointment to see us at Young Family Dental this holiday season. We can help get your holiday season off to a great start with clean teeth for holiday gatherings.

Taking Care of Your Teeth Year Long

You shouldn’t have to worry about the toll that eating holiday treats can have on your smile, especially if you are diligent about caring for your smile all year long. All year, we encourage you to follow these best dental health practices from Mayo Clinic:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day. Each time you brush your teeth, take about two minutes to do a thorough job. Don’t brush right after eating, especially if you have something acidic. As we mentioned above, it’s best to wait about 30 minutes before cleaning your teeth. Additionally, don’t forget to clean your tongue, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. You can do this gently by using your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
  • Use the proper equipment. It’s best to use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. If you find that you don’t seem to be cleaning your mouth well with a manual toothbrush, consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush. These types of brushes can reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than does manual brushing. These devices are also helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.
  • Practice good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle — aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with circular short back-and-forth motions. Brushing too hard or with hard bristles can hurt your gums.
  • Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air-dry until using it again. Try to keep it separate from other toothbrushes in the same holder to prevent cross-contamination. Don’t routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast.
  • Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three months — or sooner if the bristles flay or become irregular.
  • Floss each day. You can’t reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line with a toothbrush. That’s why daily flossing is important.

Make an Appointment with Young Family Dental

No matter what time of the year it is, your dental health is important. If you are due for a cleaning or you are experiencing dental health problems, make an appointment with Young Family Dental today.