The holiday season is upon us! Along with celebrations, family time, and parties, you’re likely to be enjoying more sweet treats than usual!
Many of our favorite holiday goodies are packed with sugar and refined carbohydrates: cookies, candies, hot chocolate, cider, and eggnog, and more. Our Glendale dentists are here to help you enjoy these things as responsibly as possible—there are certain steps that you can take to help refresh your smile this winter.
The first thing to do is to, of course, follow all of your dentist’s recommendations regarding brushing, flossing, and completing professional dental cleanings.
Then, make it a priority to drink a lot of water along with your festive beverages. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining oral health. Water enables your body to produce saliva, a substance that naturally helps to re-mineralize and strengthen your teeth. Patients who suffer from dry mouth are prone to suffering from cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.
Speaking of water, try to rinse your smile vigorously with water after eating or drinking something sweet. This is especially important if you are enjoying something sticky like caramel or toffee. When dental debris remains lodged in your smile, it can become a breeding ground for harmful oral bacteria.
Keep in mind, also, that it is better to consume sugary foods and drinks in specific time-limited sittings, rather than snacking or sipping throughout the day. Oral bacteria continue to feed on the sugars in your mouth for about 20 to 30 minutes after you finish eating/drinking. Don’t give oral bacteria free reign to grow and multiply!
As always our Glendale dentists are happy to give you all of the additional information that you need about caring for your smile. Give us a call when you are ready to get started; we look forward to speaking with you!