The holidays are almost here and so does the food temptations that are overwhelmingly challenging our oral hygiene! Inline for social gatherings are parties, reunions, special occasions, and the traditional Christmas celebration which we cannot deny to let it pass by, as we want to cherish moments before ending this year. No wonder most people want shortcuts when it comes to oral health maintenance during this time.
By following our simple oral health tips, you can still have fun and enjoy the holidays without compromising the health of your teeth and gums, especially your treasured holiday smile.
Pre-holiday Tips
With the coming holiday food temptations, prevention is still the best remedy. Make an early appointment with your dentist before this holiday rush, by having a comprehensive dental check-up with your teeth and gums. In that way, you can fix or repair early head-on any teeth that are damaged, chipped-off, or a simple cleaning procedure to prepare and prevent future dental problems.
During the Holiday Tips
Tip No. 1: Eat Teeth-Healthy Foods
Splurging a bit on food and enjoying the moment that won’t come around again for another 12 months is good for your overall well-being, however, make sure to balance well with veggies (carrots in particular), fruits, whole grains, and plenty of water. Healthy foods are good for the teeth and so will your wallet.
Tip No. 2: Skip from these Dental No-No Foods
Avoid foods that are sticky, hard-to-chew, slimy, or sugary foods, they are not-so-friendly to your teeth and gums. It is hard to say no to these traditional once-a-year treats, however, you can fight this sugary craving by visualizing the expensive dental filing costs instead. As what they say it’s all in the mind.
Tip No. 3: Select Clear or Light-Colored Beverages
With a wide selection of beverages tempting your quenching thirst, it is better to settle for clear or light-colored ones. Red wines, colas, and even teas can make your teeth discolored and stained. Especially if you invested much of your money and time making your teeth white just be ruined in a single night of drinks.
Tip No. 4: Reload on fruits
Instead of sugary desserts substitute it for fruits. Dinner parties are filled with cakes and pies, however, sticking to a single sweet dessert and reload plates of fruits will satisfy your sweet teeth.
Tip No. 5: Chomp on Turkey
Fortunately, turkey is one of the holiday good foods for your oral health. They are rich in protein and phosphorous, fighting off tooth decay and keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Just make sure to slowly and carefully crunch those turkey bones with care for your teeth' safety.
Tip No. 6: Never use your teeth as a tool
It is a fact that your teeth have the hardest substance in your body, however, it doesn’t mean you can use it as a tool. A tool in opening packages, use as a bottle opener or any item you want to break open or cut.
Don’t do it! With time, using your teeth as a tool will eventually cause you to crack, chip-off, or break and an expensive cosmetic repair job.
Tip No. 7: Practice Moderation.
As an old saying goes, moderation in everything. It holds to its essence by observing due measures and balance, especially on your plate during the holidays. To avoid ‘over-indulging’ on foods try to eat small amounts during snack times so you won’t be tempted to eat too much at one meal.
Tip No. 8: Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily can help balance all the food and wash away any food stuck in-between tooth, sticky or sugary residues on your teeth. Besides, water keeps your skin look fresh and blemish-free.
Tip No. 9: Never forget your Daily Oral Health Routine
Despite your busy schedule during the holidays, do not forget to brush, floss, and gargle twice daily your teeth and gums. With just a bit of self-discipline and extra effort, you can look forward to healthy teeth with a new smile in the New Year.
Post-holiday Tips
Despite all your good intentions and committal promises, there are times you may skip, or break those oral health commandments due to forgetfulness or whatever reason it may be. Fortunately, you can still make a dental appointment for cleaning and check-up once the holidays are over, so you can stay your teeth healthy, clean, and cavity-free for a new year ahead.
Last-Minute Reminder Tips for Travelers:
If you happen to be traveling these holiday times, and you want to avoid a January surprise toothache (or worse), here are some dental travel tips so you can enjoy your holiday season with a smile intact.
- Never leave home without a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste.
- Don’t travel with a toothache!
- Pack a lot of probiotics, they are good for the gut.
- Replace old toothbrushes with new ones every 3 months, hygienically speaking.
- Don’t forget to bring a chewing gum (sugar-free), they can substitute as a secondary toothbrush.
If You Need Help, We Are Here For You
Good oral hygiene is easy and simple, but the holiday rush does make things complicated. If you need dental assistance before and after the holidays like pre/post-holiday cleaning, filing, or even annual check-up routine – talk to us because we are here for you.
iSmile Doral and
iSmile Gables have helped hundreds of people throughout the country by providing high-quality
general dentistry and other dental services, especially when the holiday season is just around.
iSmile of
Dr. Sonia Olivares provides comprehensive dental services from routine check-ups to urgent care, offering convenient and affordable care to all who are living around Coral Gables, St. Doral and Coral Springs,
Florida and its surrounding areas.
Smile Design in Florida offers several services: