The holidays are in the air! No matter what form that takes for your family, it probably involves copious amounts of good food. If you want your dental health to make it through all the family meals this season, you’ll need a plan.
If you need some ideas on how to keep up with tradition while ensuring your smile stays bright, continue reading. You’ll find five great tips to make it happen.
1. Prepare Festive Water for Your Table
There are few things better for your overall health than water. For your teeth, it can help break down plaque, wash away food particles, and stimulate saliva production. This not only helps dilute the effects of many other holiday treats but also actively protects your dental health.
If you want to spice things up a bit, infuse the water before serving. Add apples, pears, pomegranates, sea salt, and cinnamon sticks to the water in different combinations. Then chill it in the fridge for at least 30 mins and serve.
2. Plan Alternative Holiday Activities
For many families, the season tends to revolve around the food. This tends to emphasize heavy meals and “grazing” throughout the day. This behavior can cause trouble for your dental health as your teeth need time to recover between meals. Instead of focusing on food, try to plan other activities for distraction and enrichment.
Sing-alongs, family walks, board games, and storytelling are all great ways to engage the family without food.
3. Eat More Turkey for Dental Health
While many foods on your holiday table can detract from your dental health, turkey can be beneficial! It’s rich in phosphorus and protein, both of which are needed for strong teeth and healthy gums. Just be sure to floss after eating, turkey tends to get stuck between teeth, especially when dry.
4. Avoid the Sugar Rush
Tarts, pies, candy canes, egg nog, and many other festive snacks are loaded with sugar. The bacterial plaque that forms on your teeth uses sugars and starches to multiply. If left alone, this bacterium produces acid which causes cavities.
Try to limit your sugar intake during the holidays, and make sure you continue your oral care routine.
5. Make Travel-Sized Dental Health Kits
Start a new tradition this year by crafting dental kits with your family. These travel-sized parcels are great for maintaining your dental health, even as you bounce from house to house. Be sure to include a small toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, and some dental floss or picks. Avoid using toothpicks at the table and use your floss instead!
Use these tips to soak up all the holiday cheer while supporting a bright smile. You don’t have to follow all of them, but even a little effort goes a long way. After the holidays are over, consider heading to your dentist for a checkup. They’ll be glad to see you.
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino is a skilled and compassionate dentist who takes pride in his ability to meet the needs of his patients. He earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and then immersed himself in the world of dentistry, continuing his education through practical experience and training. To schedule an appointment at Lakewood Complete Dentistry, call (303) 238-2800 or visit the website to explore the services they offer.