Article written by:
Kalista Lau
…are good dental tips (and two front teeth)! As we dive into the festive magic of Christmas with holiday gatherings and endless potlucks, it’s easy to overlook dental care. From handling seasonal sweets to maintaining your oral hygiene routine, unwrap the secrets to maintaining excellent oral health during this joyous season. The last thing you want is to get unwanted surprises, such as broken fillings, sensitive teeth, chipped teeth, or a throbbing toothache in the middle of the holiday season.
Get your teeth festive ready with a dental checkup
Having your teeth checked is the simplest thing that you can do to give you peace of mind, especially if you have not seen a dentist for more than six months. With many insurance policies based on a calendar year, this is also an excellent time to ensure your teeth are in good condition. A thorough scaling and polishing will also bring out your best smile to ensure you are always picture-ready. Bonus: Start the new year with pearlie white teeth!
We collated some practical holiday dental tips for you:
- Brush or gargle with plain water after meals
- Snack in moderation
- Choose your beverages wisely
- Prepare the young children
- Avoid using teeth as a “tool”
- Keep the right contacts handy
Brush or gargle with plain water after meals
Most importantly, at the end of the day, do not sleep before brushing and flossing your teeth. We know it’s tempting to skip your dental routine, but it’s crucial in defending your teeth against the sugar influx.
Snack in moderation
December offers a tempting array of festive desserts, often with high sugar content. Avoid sticky, acidic, and sugary dishes. If possible, moderate the consumption of food that requires more time to chew or suck, such as sweets and hard nuts.
Choose your beverages wisely
Soft drinks, fizzy beverages, or drinks that are too hot or cold are not teeth-friendly. Whenever possible, use a straw, as it may help limit the amount of sugar that comes into contact with teeth.
Prepare the young children
Most adults are capable of taking care of their oral hygiene. However, if you have little ones at home, bring them along when you visit your dentist and ensure any underlying issues are addressed early. You can help watch their diets by introducing them to healthier snacks such as cheese, carrot sticks, or fruits.
Avoid using teeth as a “tool”
Refrain from using your teeth to tear through tough packaging or open beer bottles. Such actions can lead to dental damage and potential dental emergencies, especially during the holiday season.
Keep the right contacts handy
For dental emergencies, it is crucial to have emergency contacts such as your dentist’s emergency contact number and the hospital’s Accident and Emergency number.
Specialist Dental Group wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
