The holidays can be a wonderful time of year to get together with family and friends. And Hilldale Dental knows many of these holiday gatherings may include more sugary treats and alcoholic drinks than you may typically get to enjoy. Add busy schedules and increased stress to the mix, and it’s often your oral hygiene which ends up suffering through the season.
But our team believes it is possible to eat, drink, and be merry during the holidays, while still taking good care of your dental health. Here are a few ideas:
Sweet Snacks
Treats like chocolate and holiday cookies can increase the chance for cavities due to bacteria thriving on the sugar left in your mouth. Drink water or chew sugarless gum to boost the flow of saliva until you can brush and floss.
Hard Candy
Biting down on candy canes or things like ice cubes, can cause a filling or crown to loosen, or a tooth to crack. Don’t bite on these candies! Preferably avoid these types of hard items to save your smile.
Acidic Drinks
Wine, soda, or sweetened mixed drinks can eat away at your enamel, which protects your teeth from cavities and decay. Avoid swishing your drink before swallowing, use a straw, and drink water in between to rinse away the acid, then brush and floss.
Sensitivity to Cold or Hot
Discomfort from sensitivity can ruin a night of fun. Relieve it by rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash, then brushing and flossing your teeth. Keep your dental health at the top of your wish list this holiday. And remember to visit our office twice a year to make sure your smile is a gift that keeps giving back to you, all year long.
