For many people, the holiday season is a time of indulgence. As we celebrate with family and friends we often snack on cookies and candies, and drink sugary beverages. Our Glendale dentists encourage you to take steps to protect your smile this holiday season—keep reading to get more information!
Sugary treats abound during the holidays; here are a few things that you can do to help protect your smile from damage:
· Try rinsing your mouth with water after you eat or drink things with high sugar contents. When you rinse your mouth, you limit the amount of time that bacteria are able to feed on sugars and refined carbohydrates. Water also dislodges potentially problematic dental debris before they cause issues.
· It is also better to consume sugary treats in short, specific periods of time, rather than snacking continuously throughout the day. Keep in mind that oral bacteria stay active—feeding on sugars—for about 20 to 30 minutes after you consume something. Don’t allow bacteria to feed continuously!
· Despite the fact that there are ample ciders, hot chocolates, and other festive drinks to enjoy, you want to make sure that you are drinking plenty of plain water every day. Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining optimal oral health. When you drink enough water, your body is able to produce saliva, which naturally works to re-mineralize dental enamel and neutralize oral bacteria.
The key to caring for your smile this holiday season is to indulge in moderation and follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding oral hygiene!
If you’d like more information about how to care for your smile, our Glendale dentists are here to help. You can always call our office to speak to a member of our team, or you can use the Contact Us page on our website to submit a question and your contact information.