During the holidays, pies, cakes, cookies, and other sweet seasonal treats are around every corner. From the office candy jar to the plates of fresh-baked desserts your neighbors bring over, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the temptation of filling up on the holiday goodness. As tasty as these holiday foods may be, they can mean bad news for your pearly whites. Read on to learn what you can do to keep the holidays from ruining your teeth this season.
Tip #1: Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing are always a key part of maintaining good oral health. But, since the holidays often have us eating more sugar and more often, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is more important than ever. Brush your teeth two times per day for two minutes and floss at least once per day. You may even want to consider keeping an oral health kit with floss, toothpaste, and a toothbrush on you so you can clean your teeth wherever you go.
Tip #2: Skip Sugary and Sticky Foods
Candy canes, caramel, and other sweet holiday foods may be tasty, but they certainly aren’t good for your teeth. Not only are they sweet, but they’re also sticky, which makes them difficult to wash away. Opt for sugar-free variants or dark chocolate instead. Sugar-free candy doesn’t give harmful oral bacteria as much to feed on, and dark chocolate has a lower sugar content and is easy to rinse out of your mouth.
Tip #3: Eat Protein
Foods that are high in starches and carbs like rice, pasta, rolls, mashed potatoes are broken down into sugar during digestion. This means that they can cause harm to your teeth in the same way as candies, pies, and other sweet treats. Eat high-protein foods like lean beef, chicken, fish, turkey, broccoli, asparagus, peas, and Brussels sprouts instead. Protein keeps your teeth strong and protects them against wear and tear, so it will help counteract the damage done by desserts and high-carb foods.
Tip #4: Drink Water
Whether you manage to skip the dessert buffet or end up indulging in a treat or two, drinking plenty of water is a key part of maintaining a healthy mouth. Water helps wash food particles and bacteria out of your mouth, which lessens your chances of developing decay. It also keeps your mouth from drying out, therefore keeping oral health issues like gum disease and cavities at bay.
Whether you decide to stay home this holiday season or venture out of the city to see loved ones, use the above tips to make sure your teeth remain as healthy as possible. Your smile will surely thank you for it!
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Yelena Obholz, Dr. Olivia Bassily, and Dr. Anna Bruhn, Aesthetic & Family Dentistry of Washington offers patients a one-of-a-kind oral health experience. Worried about your oral health this holiday season? They can do a thorough exam to ensure you don’t have any preexisting issues as well as give you tips on how to enjoy the season without ruining your teeth. If you want to schedule an appointment with Aesthetic & Family Dentistry of Washington or have questions about how to protect your oral health this holiday season, visit their website or call their office at (202) 364-8989.