It is the most wonderful time of the year! This means food, sweets, and gifts, yes, we are talking about Christmas.
From chocolate, candy canes, mince pies, and wine, we all overindulge on Christmas, and this can wreak havoc on our teeth. But never fear, we are here to help you keep your teeth healthy these Holidays.
Below are our top tips for keeping those chompers healthy while still enjoying your holidays.
Don’t let your routine slip
While we are holidays, it is normal to take a break from the routines we usually follow on a day-to-day basis. No more 7am wake up, work emails, or school – just soaking up the summer sun.
But one routine you can’t afford to break is your oral health routine. In fact, it is more important than ever to keep your oral health care routine up over Christmas due to the fact that most of us will be indulging more than we usually would.
Whatever plans you’re for the holidays may include, it is extremely important to make sure you maintain your oral hygiene routine!
Be smart about your sugar consumption
It is normal to eat more sugar than usual over Christmas (candy canes anyone?) but it is important not to go overboard! This can help protect your teeth from a number of dental problems in the future.
Another tip is to avoid snacking on sugary treats in between meals! By consuming sweet foods during mealtimes such as dessert – your mouth will have produced more saliva which in turn can neutralise excess sugars.
Avoid overindulging in acidic foods
Acidic foods can weaken the protective layer of enamel that covers the surface of our teeth, leaving them exposed to a wide range of oral health issues. When we think about the things we consume over Christmas, they tend to be acid-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, red wine, and fizzy drinks.
Here are some tips to protect and to combat the effect of acid.
- Use a straw to drink acidic beverages
- Drink water after consuming acidic foods to help wash the bacteria away
- Chew sugar-free gum to remove bacteria
- After eating acidic foods wait at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth.
If you follow these 3 simple tips you will be able to look after your teeth during the holiday season! We hope that you and your family have a very lovely Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.