Top 7 Tips for Christmas from Cardiff Dental
The holiday season is the time to have fun and eat heartily, but moderation and good oral hygiene will avoid future problems with your teeth. This season may offer plenty of sweets and special beverages that can damage teeth if we aren’t careful.
Here are some tips from your Cardiff dentist to help prevent cavities and save your teeth from damage.
Follow these suggestions to keep your smile looking bright this holiday season and into the New Year.
#1 Beware of the buffet
It can be tempting to graze all day during the holiday season – delicious food is all around us. Eating all day puts our teeth at more risk of decay as it leaves food for bacteria in our mouth for a long time and eventually leads to pain.
If you find yourself snacking, choose tooth-friendly options, such as raw veggies or cheese.
#2 Don’t brush after bubbly
Sparkling wine is sugary and acidic, which is twice as harmful to your tooth enamel – if you’re enjoying a glass, make sure you wait at least an hour before brushing to minimise the damage. The same thing applies to all acidic foods and beverages.
#3 Keep drinking water
You need lots of energy for the holiday activities, but avoid drinking sodas, sports drinks, and juices with plenty of sugar. Drink water with fluoride to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
#4 Choose dark chocolate over sticky toffee
Banning sweets may be unrealistic during the holidays, but you can minimise the risk to your teeth by avoiding hard candies that may crack teeth or candies and toffees that stick in your mouth for a longer time.
#5 Watch your wine glass
Remember that red can stain your teeth. White wine is less of a risk to your white smile. If you do drink red, drink it with food to keep it from staining your teeth. Be sure to brush well if you indulge in reds, and pair them with teeth-friendly foods like vegetables and cheese.
#6 Don’t forget your regular routine
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can upset your schedule, but it’s important to stick to your daily oral health routine no matter how hard it is. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and don’t forget to floss after every meal.
#7 Schedule a dental check-up appointment
Maintain regular preventative oral care during the holidays and all throughout the whole year, so take the time to schedule an appointment with your Cardiff dentist.
Wait… there’s more!
Choose toys instead of treats
Instead of giving your children a bag filled with sugary treats, swap it for a countdown full of fun family games, jokes, or puzzles.
Carol as you clean
Most people don’t brush for two minutes each time, but if you hum a few verses of your favourite Christmas songs while you clean your teeth, you’ll likely hit the target.
Don’t cut tape with teeth
Teeth are for eating and eating only. Don’t be tempted to crack nuts, tear tape or open tight bottle tops with them. We don’t want any emergencies over the holidays!
Take more turkey
Turkey is one of the healthy festive foods for our teeth – the protein contains phosphorous, which strengthens your teeth and bones. Go ahead, tuck in!
Pack your toothbrush
Going on a holiday getaway? Don’t forget to pack your essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and any current treatments (e.g. Invisalign trays).
Need More Dental Tips? Visit Your Cardiff Dentist Today!
Enjoy the holidays, but don’t forget to take good care of yourself. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health.
Visit your Cardiff dentist today!
Call us on (02) 4954 6888.
We look forward to seeing you soon.