As the holidays roll around each year, it seems like our lives, like clockwork, become full of delicious sweets and treats. And, while these indulgences certainly make the season more festive, they can take a real toll on our smiles over time. That is why our Toluca Lake dentists are here to share some tips on how you can care for your smile during the holidays. Let’s get started!
Stay Aware Of Problem Ingredients
This time of year, for many of us, is filled with sugary treats like cookies, candies, and yummy beverages. All of these things help to make the holidays special! But did you know that they also make it easier for oral bacteria to infect your teeth and oral tissues?
Sticky sugary treats can be especially harmful. These goodies can get stuck in those hard-to-reach places between your teeth, and provide a continual fuel source for oral bacteria.
Rinse Your Smile
Now is the time to get into the habit of rinsing your smile throughout the day, and especially after consuming a sugary or acidic treat. You don’t want to allow food particles to sit on your smile for long periods of time. Plus, rinsing with water jump-starts saliva production, and saliva is your body’s natural way of freshening breath and re-mineralizing teeth.
Make A Plan To Indulge
Our Toluca Lake dentists understand that for many of us it just isn’t feasible to completely cut out sugary and acidic treats. The good news is that there are still steps you can take to protect your smile, like…
- Being choosy about which treats you consume
- Pre-planning a time to eat or drink holiday goodies (rather than grazing all day)
- Refraining from brushing your teeth for 20 to 30 minutes after acid exposure
- Choosing not to chomp on peppermints, hard candies, ice, and cough drops
By making a few healthy choices, you can make it much more difficult for oral bacteria to thrive and infiltrate your smile.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to our Toluca Lake dentists to learn more about caring for your smile at home, or to schedule a personal consultation!