The season is upon us where desserts and candy of all types seem to always be within arm’s reach. Holiday foods in Midlothian are tempting and delicious, but they can wreak havoc on your smile if you’re not careful. But learning how to properly take care of your teeth and gums can mean having your cake and eating it, too. To help you navigate this time of year safely, here are four tips to remember when preparing to indulge in your favorite pies, cobblers, or cookies.
Maintain Your Regular Oral Hygiene Routine
Whether you’ll be at home for the holidays or traveling, don’t let family festivities keep you from maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. Twice each day, you should be brushing your teeth for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste to rid your mouth of any bad oral bacteria on the surfaces of your teeth. You should also floss at least once a day to ensure that the sides of your teeth are thoroughly cleaned. Finishing off your routine with a quick mouthwash can help your smile to look, feel, and smell refreshed.
Any sugars that are left on your teeth can cause serious problems to develop over time, such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Keeping up with your dental hygiene will curb these issues.
Keep a Travel-Size Dental Kit With You
If you do find yourself traveling during the holidays, make sure that you carry a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash with you. No matter if you’re on a plane, train, or in a car, you can always take care of your smile while snacking on the go. This will help to reduce the amount of plaque and bacterial build-up on your teeth, reducing your chances of developing a cavity-stricken smile during the holidays.
Don’t Overindulge
While you are certainly free to enjoy your grandmother’s traditional pecan pie this time of year, make sure you don’t eat the whole thing. Getting just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth is fine, but continuously snacking on candies and other delectable treats will increase your risk for dental decay. So, be mindful when reaching for something to eat. You can also enjoy natural fruit that is not only healthier but contains natural sugars – those that are much less damaging to your oral health in Midlothian.
Drink Lots of Water
Instead of adding more sugar to your smile through sodas, wine, and other fruity drinks, drink plenty of water instead. Not only is it highly recommended by dentists and physicians alike, but it is good for your overall health. Water keeps you hydrated and prevents dry mouth, which can lead to bacterial accumulations that can cause gum disease and halitosis (bad breath). By drinking plenty of water, you can flush out any debris inside your mouth while also keeping your salivary glands working at an optimal level.
The holidays don’t have to be a struggle. By taking the right precautions, you can indulge in some of your favorite seasonal treatments and ensure that your smile remains in good shape for the new year.
About the Practice
At Long Family Dental of Midlothian, our team of dental experts has been caring for residents for more than 40 years. A family-owned business, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long are carrying on the work of their father, Dr. Henry Long, who originally established the practice. Offering preventive dental care to patients young and old, it is our goal to ensure all individuals have the right tools to take care of their smiles throughout the holidays. Visit our website or call us to learn more.