Halloween may be over, but the horrors could remain lingering for a long time. That’s because candy is one of the worst foods for your teeth. Additionally, Halloween is quickly followed by the holiday season, in which we all enjoy having extra excuses to indulge in sugary, delicious treats.
The problem is, if you aren’t taking care of your teeth the right way, the holiday season will feel more like a nightmare. Cavities hurt, especially when you eat sugary foods. Without proper care, you won’t be enjoying your favorite sweet potato casserole or apple pie. As your local dentist in Hoover, we want to talk about a few ways you can make it through the holiday season with a clean and pain-free mouth!
(Don’t go through the holiday season with halitosis. Get rid of bad breath for good!)
#1 Water!
One great way to boost your dental health throughout the holiday season is to drink more water. Water encourages saliva. Saliva works to restore the pH balance in your mouth. Water will neutralize harmful acids.
For extra care, rinse with water, too! Following an exceptionally sugary or acidic meal, rinse your mouth for 15-20 seconds and spit. It’s a great way to clean your mouth quickly if you are out and without a toothbrush.
#2 Eat Your Veggies!
Most holiday parties have a veggie tray or two. Vegetables are great for your teeth, and if you take a little time to eat some of these healthy snacks before your dessert, you’ll be better off! First, the veggies might fill your stomach a little, helping you eat less dessert. Second, vegetables like broccoli and carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is great for strengthening your enamel!
#3 Careful What You Drink
We already know that during the holidays we eat more desserts than we normally would, but we often fail to realize that we also indulge a little more with our drinks. Whether it be sodas, coffee, wine, or cocktails, drinking anything other than water can be harmful to your teeth. Because we drink more exciting drinks at holiday functions, we could try to avoid damaging our teeth by drinking through a straw. Drinking through a straw minimizes the amount of contact a drink has with your teeth, so you can enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the holidays a safer way!
#4 Contact Your Dentist in Hoover
By being just a little more conscious of what we are eating and drinking, we can make it through the holiday season cavity free! These tips are very easy ways to take extra steps towards a healthy smile.
However, if you do begin to feel pain, it’s important you make an appointment with your local dentist in Hoover immediately. Avoid the pain – Contact LeCroy Dental today!