The holidays are so fun—filled with family, celebration, and great food. But all of the goodies that we consume at holiday parties and at home, can put our teeth at risk. So while you indulge, keep these tips from our Glendale dentist office in mind. There are simple things that you can do in order to protect your smile, and fight as much oral bacteria as possible!
First of all, keep in mind that oral bacteria absolutely love foods and drinks that are high in sugars and carbohydrates (including alcohol). Bacteria feed on these substances, and consequently bacteria grow and proliferate in your mouth.
In order to discourage bacterial build-up, you can:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day: when you drink enough water, your body is able to produce an optimal amount of saliva. Saliva is actually your body’s natural tool for strengthening and remineralizing your dental enamel. Dry mouth leads to increased oral bacteria as well as bad breath.
Consume indulgent foods and drinks at specific times: when you eat or drink something, the bacteria in your mouth are active for about twenty to thirty minutes after the last time you ate/drank. So rather than snacking and sipping on these things all day long, consume them at particular, limited times in your day.
Rinse your mouth with water whenever possible: it is so easy to simply rinse your mouth with water periodically throughout the day. This easy habit helps to clear away bacteria that are clinging to your teeth and oral tissues. Plus, swishing water around your mouth ramps up healthy saliva production!
When you combine these simple steps with a comprehensive at-home oral hygiene routine, you are setting yourself up for dental health success! If you are looking for more oral hygiene tips, please feel free to contact our Glendale dentist office!