As we move into the holiday season, we look forward to a period of celebration and togetherness. We cannot forget, however, that this time of celebration can also be a bit of a time of indulgence! If you find that you are inundated with sweets, cookies, and sugary drinks during the holidays, then this article is for you. Keep reading to learn more from our Glendale dentists about protecting your smile through the holidays.
Stay Alert For Problem Ingredients
If you have found that you consume more candy, cookies, or alcohol during the holidays, you certainly aren’t alone. With a proliferation of parties, and home-baked goodies, it can become much more difficult to stay away from sugary and acidic treats.
The problem is that increasing our consumption of sugars and acids can lead to an increase in cavity and gum disease development. Oral bacteria use sugars and refined carbohydrates for fuel. When we are snacking or sipping on indulgent treats, we are inadvertently creating an oral environment in which bacteria can thrive.
Rinse Regularly
In order to refresh your smile (and breath) throughout the day, try rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking. This is a safe, gentle, and effective way to clear away food particles and plaque while promoting healthy saliva production. Plus, it’s easy to slip away from the office holiday party to discreetly rinse your smile—no oral hygiene tools required!
Make A Plan To Indulge
If it seems impossible to completely eliminate sugary and acidic treats, that’s okay. Instead, what if you made a plan to indulge more responsibly?
Try setting aside a specific time of day during which eating sugary treats is allowed. During other times of the day and night, make it a point to drink plenty of water, and make healthy dietary choices.
By pre-planning your sugar consumption, and keeping it to one period during the day, you make it harder for oral bacteria to thrive.
We hope that you have found this information helpful. To learn more about how your diet can affect your smile, please reach out to our Glendale dentists by phone or through our Contact Us page.