Ten Dental Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are upon us and with them come culinary treats the likes of we which have not seen all year long. From cakes and pies to sugar-rimmed cocktails, you may be facing some pretty amazing food and drink this season. And while the parties may not be quite so grand this year, you still want to celebrate responsibly.

Follow these ten simple tips for dental hygiene in Studio City so you can still enjoy the holidays without compromising your smile.

1.   Eat Teeth-Healthy Foods

Sure, it’s OK to splurge on treats once in a while, but you still want to balance those splurges with crunchy fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lots of water. Your teeth will thank you!

2.   Avoid These No-No Foods

Stay away from hard, sticky, chewy, sugary, or gummy foods, which are harmful to your teeth and gums. You will be tempted with a lot of candy canes, soft mint chews, and other holiday staples. Find safer alternatives or eat within reason and with caution.

3.   Keep Up Your Daily Oral Health Routine

Stick to your daily oral-hygiene routine as best you can. This means twice-daily flossing, gargling, and brushing. Keep up the hard work, and you can look forward in the new year to a clean bill of dental health.

4.   Schedule Your Post-Holiday Cleaning Now

Schedule your cleaning now so you can have your pick of the best times right after the holidays are over.

5.   Drink Plenty of Water Every Day

Staying hydrated is very important, particularly during the holidays when you want to look and feel your best. Water helps your skin look fresh and blemish-free.

It can also freshen your breath and help with digestion. Water also cleans away freshly-formed bacteria in your mouth so keep a water bottle by your side at all times.

6.   Don’t Use Teeth as Present-Openers

Teeth are great for chewing and speaking, but they don’t make good tools. Do not use your teeth to open wine bottles, packages, or snack bags, which can weaken the enamel as well as your teeth’s fragile edges. This can lead to cracking and breaking.

7.   Chew Cinnamon Gum

Cinnamon gum has cinnamon aldehyde in it, which is an essential oil that gives it that spicy, crisp flavor. It does more than that though – it destroys cavity-forming bacteria. So, in between brushes, chew cinnamon gum, which also keeps your breath fresher longer.

8.   Drink Light-Colored or Clear Beverages

You may love red wine or cranberry juice, but while tasty, these beverages can stain teeth. Keeping your teeth as white as you can this holiday means opting for light-colored or clear beverages.

9.   Nibble On Cheese

All of those tasty, acidic holiday cocktails can wear away protective tooth enamel. Balance that out with some cheese between sips. The cheese’s alkaline will neutralize the acid in your beverage.

10.                     Keep a To-Go Teeth Cleaning Kit Handy

Keep a teeth-cleaning kit in your car or purse for those times when you’re on the go. You can slip into the bathroom to floss after those strawberries dipped in chocolate, or brush after that garlic-laden dip!

Contact Studio City Dental Center

To make your post-holiday dental appointment, contact us at 818-762-2977.