It’s the most wonderful time of the year — a special time to connect on a deeper level with family and friends. However, there are a lot of holiday traditions that can be adverse for your oral health.
Knowing how to care for your teeth during the holidays can help you avoid an untimely oral health emergency. You wouldn’t want an issue to spoil your festive Christmas party. These oral health tips can help you safely navigate the holiday season while still enjoying all the wonderful foods and treats inherent to the festive season.
Maintain Your Oral Health Routine
While the holiday period brings some of the most fun of the year, it’s no time to neglect your oral health routines. Brush and floss regularly to combat the extra food and drink consumption throughout the season.
The festive season might also be an important time to schedule a dentist appointment. Visiting a dentist can strengthen your oral health. They can also teach you how to care for your teeth during the holidays.
Limit Your Consumption of Acidic Foods
Acidic foods can negatively impact the enamel of your teeth, which is primarily responsible for protecting you from damage. During Christmas, it’s far more likely that you will consume foods like citrus fruits, red wine, and fizzy drinks that can weaken your enamel.
While limiting your consumption of these foods is ideal, there are some ways to mitigate oral impact. Some helpful tips while eating these foods include:
- Enjoy in moderation
- Use a straw for acidic beverages
- Drink more water to remove bacteria
- Only brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating these foods to avoid damaging the acid-weakened enamel
Avoid Hard Candies and Foods
Hard candies like candy canes, Christmas brittle, and candied nuts are the most common foods consumed during the festive season. However, these foods can damage your teeth directly and loosen fillings and crowns. Do your best to avoid hard sweets and foods, especially if you have dental implants.
Enjoy Festive Spirits and Wines in Moderation
Festive spirits and wines are the most popular beverages to toast the season. These delicious drinks can stain your teeth and weaken your enamel. Enjoy these beverages in moderation to protect your smile this holiday season.
Use Your Teeth Appropriately
While wrapping presents, opening gifts, and hosting family celebrations, you might want to use your teeth inappropriately to open bottles or packaging. Using your teeth for anything except talking, smiling, and eating can cause major oral damage. Avoid the temptation to let your chompers aid you in ripping that sticky tape or ribbon.
Maintain Your Oral Health With Dental Professionals at Coast Family Dental
At Coast Family Dental, we prioritise making each patient feel like part of our family. With personalised services that always account for your treatment wants and needs, we’ll enhance your smile with the best techniques and dental care available.
For more information about how to care for your teeth during the holidays, call (07) 5437 9000 and request a new patient appointment from Coast Family Dental.
