In the blink of an eye, December is upon us yet again. The Christmas parties are on the rise, afternoon drinks and nibbles in the summer sun are becoming routine. Unannounced visitors, glasses of wine, treats and pudding galore. Our days are becoming more and more full of the festivities that make the holidays so special and our hearts so warm. Unfortunately, these festivities are also likely to have us visiting the dentist a lot sooner then usual if we’re not careful.
To help you get through the holiday season, we’ve lined up some key tips on avoiding cavities and keeping your teeth as healthy as you can during this period.
Timing is Key
The biggest factor for the development of cavities is the length of time sugars are staying in your mouth. While you’re doing the rounds visiting family and friends in the lead up to Christmas and on the big day keep your toothbrush handy.
Try to squeeze in some cheeky brushes between meals, treats and drinks. This is the key to not letting those nasty sugars combine with the natural bacteria in your mouth and cause trouble.
How Old is Your Brush?
While everyone’s getting shiny new presents it is time to think about your teeth too. You should be replacing your brush every three to four months!
Been a while? Time to buy your teeth and gums a gift!
Don’t forget to floss!
I’m sure everyone know
s the most frequently asked question by your dentist every time you pay a visit.. ‘Are you flossing regularly?’
This seems to be the most forgotten or disregarded chore for most, yet it plays such an important role in dental health especially after those sugary meals. ( And yes! All those guilty pleasures over the festive season I’m talking about!) Floss is designed to get into the spaces your teeth!
Drink Plenty of Water
Not only will keeping up your water intake keep you hydrated in the summer heat and stop you from becoming the clown who’s had one too many champagnes, water will help flush out the sugars and other nasties from what you have been eating and drinking.
Chew Sugarless Gum
Chewing gum stimulates saliva production. Saliva is your body’s version of mouth-wash which helps to wash away the sugars that build up around your teeth.
Note: chewing gum containing sugar is completely redundant!
Chew Your Way to a Healthy Mouth
Don’t forget about the foods that will give your dental hygiene a fighting chance. Our last blog ‘Eat Your Way To A Healthy Mouth’ is full of information about the foods that promote good dental hygiene.
Quick Guide to Foods that Love You Back:
Broccoli, tofu, almonds, fish, eggs, poultry, nuts, capsicums, oranges, kale, cucumbers, carrot and apple
Remember though, that this guide is for fresh and or raw products consumed in their natural state. Smothering your carrot stick in French onion dip isn’t going to reap the benefits of raw carrot.
Moderation
Oh no, Moderation, the dreaded word of the silly season. We don’t want to join in the nagging crowd of health professionals, but alas, it is the sure fire way to keep those cavities at bay. Plus, it might help your waistline as well. Just say no to that extra sweet between meals. Have a glass of water instead of soft drink. A little piece here and there will help, and you’ll feel empowered by your ability to say no.
Teeth Aren’t Tools
Don’t get silly with the silly season. Pulling out that party trick you saw one time when that one guy opened a beer with his teeth is only going to make you the clown.
Using your teeth as a tool on the simplest of non-food objects is slowly – although in some cases rapidly – breaking down your teeth.
Don’t open the cracker packet with your teeth. Use the scissors on the sticky tape. Make decisions that help your teeth. Nobody wants to leave a party with half-a-tooth less than when they arrived.
Nevertheless, Perhaps a check up after Christmas or in the New year is best! Get in contact with us today to book your appointment!
