Tis’ the season of sweets, treats, and . . . cavities. We love the holidays at College Ave Modern Dental, but we also know that we see many cavities after the new year. While we love seeing your smiling faces, we’d rather it be for a routine cleaning than an emergency dental visit. To help keep your teeth healthy during the holidays, we have some tips!
Watch Out for Sugar
We know you can’t avoid all sugar during the holidays – and if you can, please share your secret with us! We firmly believe that moderation is key when it comes to consuming sugar during the holidays. We don’t want you to turn down great-grandma’s cookies because you are worried about a cavity, but overindulging should be avoided.
Choose Healthier Snacks
Many of us have holiday breaks from work or school, which can lead to a lot of snacking. While we encourage you to pick certain meals or ‘snack’ times throughout the day instead of mindlessly snacking, picking good, nutritious snacks can help keep your teeth healthy. Opt for veggie trays, and sparkling waters over sodas, and if you must have sweets, try choosing milk chocolate over hard candies or caramels that can get stuck in between the teeth.
Brush, Brush, Floss
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice per day for at least two minutes each time and flossing daily. We couldn’t agree more! We would also include a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help boost cavity protection over the holidays. Fluoride is an incredible mineral that acts as a barrier between your teeth and bacteria. If you do eat a sugary snack or high-sugar meal, brush immediately after to help avoid lingering bacteria in the mouth.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is an excellent way to stay healthy and keep your teeth and gums in check. Not only does hydration aid in overall wellness, but drinking a lot of water prevents ‘Dry Mouth’, a condition that could lead to gum disease. In general, health experts recommend drinking your weight in ounces of water every day. So drink up!
Make the Dentist a Priority in the New Year
If you are ready to set some New Year Resolutions, don’t forget the dentist! Optimal dental health can have amazing benefits for your whole body. So get started with an appointment today at College Ave Modern Dental. Happy Holidays!