Source: Pond5
Whoever thinks about maintaining a healthy mouth over the holidays? I mean, aren’t you already brushing and flossing like you should? But then, there are lots of treats begging to be eaten this time of year — like chocolates and cookies and cakes and candy canes. Oh my, the damage they can do to our teeth!
Dr. Jeffrey Holmstrom, the medical director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine, thinks the holidays are a great time to give our pearly whites a little extra attention. He has six tips to share:
1. Two and Two. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush their teeth two times a day for two minutes. This simple habit can make a big difference over time.
2. Avoid hard candy and other sweets that might stay in the mouth for a long period of time. The quantity and the amount of time sugary foods and sweets stay in the mouth plays a major role in tooth decay.
3. Limit the amount of sticky and/or chewy candies. During this time of the year, it’s easy to munch on mouth-watering pieces of sticky or chewy sweets like caramel, toffee and fudge. Just remember, stickier candies take longer to get washed away by saliva and can increase the risk for tooth decay. In addition, some of the stickier candies and desserts can loosen or remove fillings, crowns and other dental work.
4. Drink water, water and more water. When teeth are in constant contact with beverages that contain sugar, there is an increased risk of tooth decay. Balance things out by drinking water in between drinking sugary beverages. If bottled water is an option, make sure to choose the fluoridated bottled water.
5. Don’t use the teeth. Giving and receiving gifts are a common practice during the holidays. Some people get so caught up in the excitement of wrapping and opening items that they use their teeth to remove tags from new clothing and cut through string and tape. Try to avoid using teeth as a pair of scissors because this type of wear and tear can cause teeth to crack, chip and even break!
6. Visit the dentist. Remember to schedule a checkup appointment with the dentist. It’s important to maintain regular and routine preventive dental care during the holidays and throughout the year because a regular dental exam can bring attention to issues that aren’t visible or painful in the early stages. A dentist can spot early warning signs in the mouth that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body.
What’s your favorite holiday treat?
Mine is chocolate fudge — made from a recipe that is loaded with sugar. I just reread tip #3!
The biggest thing that’s helped with my kids is removing their candy at night. Otherwise they keep snacking on it after bedtime, and then sleep with all that sugar on their teeth. By just taking it out of their rooms, I remove that temptation entirely.
In kids, candies, chocolates are the main reason for gum diseases, tooth decay and other dental problems. So, parents must take their kids to dentist for regular checkup especially in holidays as kids eat chocolates and candies more in holidays.
You have shared very useful tips for a healthy holiday mouth. These tips will save you from the dental problems. Everyone should read this blog.
You have written great article about healthy holiday mouth. A good piece of information about teeth, you have mentioned here. I like it.
It’s essential to maintain regular and routine preventive dental care during the holidays. These tips will help you in maintaining healthy mouth over the holidays. Great Tips!
I really liked how you talked about not chewing on hard candies or things like ice. My cousin bit into a starburst once after chewing on some ice and completely split his tooth in half. Thank you for the helpful dental tips!
It is important to stay fit and healthy despite this holiday day season. Glad to know these tips on how to stay fit and healthy while enjoying so many parties and occasions. Hoping that people will inspire with these tips.