
Dec
With Christmas just a few days away, this week is all about catching up with family members and celebrating all that is good in your life. Not to mention eating all those delicious foods! However, the holiday season is no time to slack when it comes to your oral health care. That’s why Summit Dental Group would like to provide you with the following Boise dentist tips to keep your mouth happy and healthy during the celebrations.
The length of a typical Christmas dinner can be one of the most damaging aspects of your oral health. While it’s important to enjoy the company of your family and friends throughout the day, it’s also important to keep in mind that exposing your teeth to continuing foods can make it easier for cavity-causing bacteria to accumulate inside your mouth. Instead of passing the time by constantly eating, focus on sharing stories, watching movies, or playing games.
Drinking water while enjoying rich, sweet foods helps to wash away debris and prevent plaque formation. Lightly rinsing your mouth with water between bites helps to improve saliva flow that helps to fight off cavities. Water is also an excellent replacement for more damaging drink options like soda or juice.
Take about thirty minutes after you’ve finished eating to brush and floss your teeth. You can also chew sugar-free gum after a meal, which can help wipe away leftover food particles from your teeth, improve your saliva flow, and assist with digestion.
Side dishes like cranberry sauce not only stick to your teeth for hours they are also acidic, creating the ideal environment for bacteria to eat at your teeth and gums. Other sticky sweets are things like pecan pie and Christmas candies. If you do indulge, it’s important to make sure you rinse your mouth with water to help wash away the sticky remains.
While we all grieve the holiday weight gain, the desserts and long meals associated with Christmas are also tough on your teeth. A post-holiday teeth cleaning can help scrub your teeth and prevent any issues before they become problematic. Keep in mind that your Boise dentist can also perform a variety of best smile restoration options, including a teeth whitening treatment to provide you with a brighter smile for upcoming photos and celebrations.
To schedule an appointment, contact Summit Dental at (208) 314-2275. Happy Holidays!