It can be hard to keep up healthy habits around the holidays, with all the events taking up your time and all the different delicious meals to enjoy. That can affect your whole body – but, you might not have considered the impact that holidays can have on your teeth.
Let’s go through how to take care of your teeth (and your family’s teeth) while enjoying your holiday treats.
Keep Up Your Maintenance
A lot of self-care habits tend to get overlooked around the holidays – you’re just so busy! So, making sure you and your family keep up your dental care during the holidays is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
You should also ensure that you’re flossing regularly, even if you haven’t been previously. A lot of holiday snacks can lodge themselves between your teeth.
If you’re feeling unsure about what to do, sit down with your dentist and ask how to care for your teeth. They can recommend good maintenance habits for you and every member of your family, regardless of age.
Everything in Moderation (Including Moderation)
There’s no reason to deprive yourself over the holidays but try not to overdo it! Choose healthier snacks, when possible – and don’t overindulge on sugary treats, which can cause extra damage to your teeth.
Of course, that can be a little more tricky when you’re trying to keep your children’s teeth healthy, too. Kids love sugar, and sugar can cause significant damage to their teeth. There are ways to combat the damage, however.
Try and get your kids to brush their teeth after significantly sugary meals or snacks. Flossing is also beneficial if you have the time.
Encourage your children to drink water with their meals, and after they’re done eating. Drinking water isn’t just generally good for your health – washing your mouth out can help prevent damage caused by sugary snacks.
Avoid Bad Dental Habits
It’s just as important to avoid bad dental habits as it is to keep good dental habits going. Nuts and cracking nuts are a major staple of many people’s holiday traditions. No matter how lazy you’re feeling, you should never open nuts with your teeth.
Generally, you shouldn’t use your teeth as a tool. You may get frustrated when you’re trying to open presents but trying to use your teeth to get through the tape and ribbons is a recipe for cracking a tooth. Grab a pair of scissors instead.
Stick to lighter-colored beverages that won’t stain your teeth – even if they’re still full of sugar, they’re lower in artificial coloring that can cause stains.
Snack on Holiday Treats While Keeping Your Teeth Healthy Today
There’s no reason you can’t enjoy holiday treats while keeping your teeth healthy and strong – it just takes a little extra work!
Do you need more help keeping your teeth healthy? Do you want to ensure your kids have good dental habits? Contact Debra Duffy DDS today.
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