Tips for a Cavity Free Holiday

The holidays are a time of togetherness, and presents, and fun, and sweets. Often, lots and lots of sweets. Pumpkin pies, fruit cakes, candy canes, chocolates, eggnog, gingerbread and cookies. All that sugar can take a heavy toll on your tooth enamel. Here are a few tips to avoid getting cavities and rotten teeth for Christmas.

Have Sweets in Moderation

You don’t have to avoid all the sweets to keep your teeth healthy. Just pay attention to how much you’re consuming. Consider having half a piece of pie, half a glass of eggnog, or one cookie instead of two. Don’t feel pressured to try every desert your friends brought to the holiday party.

Brush After Eating

You’ve been told all your life to brush between meals, but during the holidays, you may want to brush more often. We go to Christmas parties with punch and desserts, get offered cookies at work, and receive sweets from the neighbors. Brushing between meals is great, but it’s better to brush every time we have sugary foods or drinks. And replace your toothbrush when the bristles look worn. A new one will be more effective. If you’re not able to brush where you are, rinse your mouth with water. This removes excess sugar from your teeth.

Floss Daily

Many of us don’t like to floss, but it’s important to the health of your teeth and your gums. Buy an extra tooth floss or two so there’s always one available, and make it part of your daily routine. You don’t have to floss after every meal, but do it often enough to keep your mouth healthy, like every night before you go to bed. If you don’t enjoy flossing, consider other flossing products in the dental health section of your pharmacy or grocery store.

Schedule a Dental Appointment

Because of all these holiday sweets, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental cleaning or a dentist visit after the holidays. Scheduling regular cleanings and checkups can help you start the new year on a note of great dental health.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!