We’re sure you know that too much sugar can damage your teeth, but what about other foods and drinks? There are many delicious treats that we enjoy over the festive period that can cause staining or damage to your teeth. You don’t want to start 2023 with a toothache or unsightly stains in your smile! Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of dental damage during December.
We know how tempting it can be to tear sticky tape with your teeth when wrapping presents or use your pearly whites to rip open a bag of treats when the kitchen scissors are just too far away. As dentists, we encourage you to refrain from doing this. The chances of damaging your teeth when using them to open things are high. While we’re very happy to fix any chips or cracks in your teeth, we assume you would prefer not to spend any of your precious holiday time having emergency dental treatment. For the record, bottle tops are particularly risky; please don’t ever use your teeth to prise metal from glass.
Even though we assume you already brush and floss daily, maintaining your dental hygiene practice is crucial throughout the holidays. Much of the food and drink we enjoy can cause either cosmetic or structural damage to our teeth, so ensuring that we’re cleaning them thoroughly is crucial. Sugar-laden treats can degrade the teeth and result in cavities, while red wine, berries (particularly holiday favourites cranberries and blueberries), and even mince pies can all cause dental stains. Sticky foodstuffs like toffee and dried fruit are notorious for getting stuck in the teeth, while hard, crunchy foods can damage dental devices such as bridges or other orthodontia.
During the holidays, paying close attention to your cleaning routine will help to significantly reduce the likelihood of stains or other types of damage. Be sure to brush for the full recommended two minutes every time, in addition to using a good antibacterial mouthwash. Interdental brushes can be used to clean between the teeth if you have dental hardware that prevents the use of dental floss.
Be sure to monitor your child’s dental care routine over the holidays. All the excitement means that such mundane activities as brushing one’s teeth can be easily forgotten. Ensure your kids are keeping on top of their oral hygiene so that their next Christmas gift isn’t a set of dentures!
Your teeth are strengthened by calcium, and it just so happens that cheese is a fantastic source of this mineral. Additionally, the protein content of cheese assists in maintaining healthy levels of tooth enamel, which protects your teeth from damage and decay. We encourage you to indulge in all those laden festive cheeseboards – if anyone looks askance, tell them it’s your dentist’s order.
To make sure you’re facing the new year with excellent oral health, be sure to schedule your first visit of the new year early! You should be seeing the dentist at least once every six months, so you may as well make your January and June appointments right at the beginning of the year. We’ll be able to clean up any residue and make sure your smile is sparkling for 2023.
If you have any concerns about your dental health in the lead-up to the festive period, please give us a call. We don’t want your celebrations to be curtailed by tooth pain! If you want a quick cleaning, or even a whitening treatment so your teeth sparkle like diamonds on New Year’s Eve, come in and see us before the holidays. If you’re good to go for the holidays, we look forward to welcoming you in 2023!
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