Along with the exchanging of gifts and the gathering of family and friends, the holiday season is synonymous with consuming delectable foods and beverages. While such activities provide loads of enjoyment, they can have a negative impact on your oral health. Is there a way, then, to still participate in the festivities without suffering the adverse effects? Your dentist in Dublin says there is a way for both holiday fun and excellent oral health to coexist. As you read further, learn about 5 ways to fortify your teeth and gums!
#1 – Knowing When You’ve Had Enough
One of the most valuable assets you can have during this time of year is the ability to say, “No.” That means that once you’ve reached your predetermined limit, to exercise the discipline to stop eating or drinking beyond that point. Not only will this spare your waist any unwanted inches, but it will also result in less leftover debris in your mouth to attract harmful bacteria.
So before an upcoming gathering, take a moment to establish a food and beverage budget (limit), and be sure to stick to it. Your teeth and gums will be glad you did.
#2 – Step-up Your Protein Intake
When holiday meals are described, rarely is there an emphasis placed on the protein selection. That’s because the carbohydrates (foods that contain different types of sugars) are typically the stars of the occasion. The problem is that sugar happens to be the primary food of bacteria.
To help to prevent any new bacteria growth and the resulting issues that can arise, add more protein to your plate. Some good sources are turkey, chicken, nuts and cheese.
#3 – Increase Your Water Intake
Not only will drinking more water help to digest the extra food that you’ll eat at a holiday meal, but it will also help to flush your mouth of lingering debris. So immediately after consuming your favorite treats, take a moment to drink a tall glass of water.
#4 – Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
One of the best ways to fortify your oral health, no matter what time of the year it is, is to consistently and properly practice oral hygiene. This should involve brushing and flossing at least twice daily. These two simple activities will agitate and remove leftover particles before they can wreak havoc on your oral health.
#5 – Visit Your Dentist
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you visit your dentist a minimum of two times per year for preventive care. This is a great time of year to schedule one of them. While you visit, you’ll receive a professional cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar, and you’ll also undergo a careful examination. Therefore, if there are any developments, they can be treated before they morph into something worse.
The holiday season is a magical time of the year. By acting upon the above suggestions and visiting your local dentist, you can enjoy it with no reservations!
About the Author
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Eric Buck helps patients experience the bliss of having healthy teeth and gums by providing preventive care at Distinctive Smiles. For more information about his services, you can visit his website.