5 Tips on how to look after your teeth this Christmas
As we are all aware Christmas is a great time to relax with loved ones and enjoy the grace of good old fashioned home comforts such as snacks and treats. Although we say there is nothing wrong in indulging in these, we do advise to maintain a healthy smile, this is something that will need to be done in moderation. It can be very easy to neglect your teeth during all the festivities and celebrations Christmas has to offer so here are just a few things to help you along the way.
Some simple ways we at Best Health Clinics advise looking after your teeth this Christmas:
Stick to your routine
Make sure to continue with your regular brushing of TWO times a day for 2 minutes, as well as flossing. When brushing your teeth we always advise that you spit and do not rinse. This is a sure way to prevent the build up of plaque, keep your gums healthy and also avoid unwanted cavities. Don’t forget to use inter dental brushes or floss between your teeth as well.
Being mindful of your sugar intake
We know how tempting it can be to just want to unwind and eat the unhealthiest of snacks and treats during the holiday season we ask that you please take into consideration exactly how much sugar you may be consuming. Sugar is the key root of tooth decay which in some cases can then lead to tooth loss and cavities. A few of the key festive treats that can cause this problem are Pastries, chocolates, candy canes, fizzy drinks and mince pies to name a few.
We want you to enjoy the festivities and not have to go COLD TURKEY so to speak and a few ways you can do this is by choosing a few alternatives such as:
-Making sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Use a straw when drinking anything fizzy
- Cheese believe it or not is a great way of neutralizing plaque acid and returning your mouth back to its normal pH
- When snacking, try to have all the unhealthy snacks in one sitting, this allows your teeth less exposure to sugar throughout the day and after them after meals
Don’t use your mouth as a utensil
Christmas is a time where we all tend to get a little excited at the thought of gifts, food and so much more. It is very easy to try and use your teeth as tools when you want to get into that tricky present that tends to have a little too much cello tape on it, or the bag of crisps that is just too stubborn to open. Although this may seem like a harmless act at the time, this is actually a very damaging shortcut that can actually create chips on your teeth and in some cases even cracks.
Don't switch between Hot & Cold drinks
Whether your poison is a nice glass of mulled wine or a cheeky eggnog, even just a typical glass of lemonade. Please watch out for your teeth’s sensitivity as this can be an extreme discomfort for most as these can tend to irritate your teeth if consumed to quickly.
-Taking small sips of your drink instead of downing it is a sure way to avoid the dreaded rush of sensitivity.
Visit your dentist before the Christmas celebrations
We advise booking into see your dentist before the lead up to the party season as this will allow you to enjoy many of the various foods with a nice clean pallet and also saves you the worry of any tooth issues during the holiday season. We can also carry out a hygiene and airflow polish of your teeth to remove any calculus and staining to give you a fresh whiter smile We want you to enjoy the break as you well deserve avoiding any unwanted cracks, chips or breaks.
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