We’re nearly into the second week of December, which means the festive season is in full swing. During this enjoyable time of year, you’re likely to attend more parties and indulge in party foods and drinks.
Even the most disciplined of us can put on a couple of pounds over the festive season. However, what is perhaps less widely recognised is that all of these treats can take a toll on your dental health.
Here at Ringmer Dental, we’ve put together some tips on how to ensure your teeth don’t suffer too much this December:
Don’t let your oral health routine go out the window
Amid all the parties, rushing around and fun, don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth before you head to bed. We understand that it might be tempting to skip your usual dental routine following a long evening. However, we’d like to stress that it’s your best defense against the influx of sugar your teeth are likely to receive.
Treat yourself or a loved one
Christmas is a time for giving. Why not purchase a new electric toothbrush for yourself or a relative? We recommend regularly changing your toothbrush (whether manual or an electric brush head). You’ll notice the difference (and so will your dentist!).
Moderation is key
Mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding…there’s plenty of sweet festive desserts to indulge in this December and they all add up. Although they taste great, they’re usually high in sugar. The main problem is not so much the amount of sugar, but the frequency of sweet and acidic snacking. Try to minimise the number of these occasions as snacking and drinking throughout the day creates the perfect climate for bacteria and plaque.
Opt for cheese, turkey and nuts!
A cheesecake dessert is a healthier choice; the reason being that cheese is actually GOOD for your teeth. So go ahead and enjoy that cheeseboard after Christmas dinner because cheese helps to return the mouth to its natural acid balance, reducing the chance of developing tooth decay. Turkey is also a good choice as it contains both phosphorus and protein, which are great for fighting decay and strengthening your teeth. Finally, nuts have terrific amounts of fibre, folic acid, calcium, and other vitamins.
Watch the alcohol
We all enjoy a glass of wine or two at Christmas, but did you know that white wine can be very acidic, contributing to enamel erosion; or that red wine can increase the risk of teeth staining? We’d recommend just drinking red or white wine with your main evening meal.
Drink with a straw
This is a fantastic tip for children (and some adults too!). There’s likely to be plenty of fizzy drinks this Christmas, but to minimise the damage to teeth, Ringmer Dental advise using a straw to limit the amount of sugar that comes into contact with teeth.
Chew some sugar-free gum
Chewing gum stimulates saliva, in turn helping to rid your mouth of any stagnating plaque after eating. Of course, gum also comes in handy at parties as it keeps your breath minty fresh! (good for kissing under the mistletoe). Always remember that sugar-free gum is healthier for your teeth.
Your teeth are not ‘tools’
Don’t use your teeth for things they weren’t designed for, i.e. tearing through tough packaging and clothing labels, or opening beer bottles. This can damage your teeth and potentially cause a dental emergency (the last thing you want on Christmas Day!).
Amid all the temptations and indulgences, it is easy to neglect your dental health over the Christmas period. We hope these tips help to ensure you don’t develop problems into the new year. If you feel like you’ve overdone it, why not start 2023 right by visiting Ringmer Dental in January. Perhaps you’ll benefit from a dental hygiene appointment, or maybe your regular dental check-up is due, call01273 813898 to book an appointment. At Ringmer Dental, we’ll help maintain your perfect, healthy smile.
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our patients all the best for Christmas and a wonderful 2023!