It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which likely means that we will soon be treating ourselves to some festive food and drinks! That’s why the holiday season is a great time for us to take extra good care of our teeth. To keep your mouth merry and bright this holiday season (and every season), we’ve come up with the 12 Days of Dental Health!
Choose Tooth-Friendly Stocking Stuffers
Instead of stuffing the kiddos’ stockings with sugary treats, consider filling them with a colorful new toothbrush, flavored flossers, sugar-free gum, and fun mouthwashes. Let your little ones in on a little secret – Santa is all about healthy dental habits!
Drink Lots of Water
Adults and children alike should be sure to drink lots of water around the holiday (and every day!). Drinking water helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles and can even reduce plaque build-up. This is especially important when sweets are on the menu.
Brush Your Teeth with Your Favorite Holiday Tunes
Get into the spirit of the season and ensure that you (and your little ones) are brushing for two minutes or more by humming your favorite holiday song. Most classic carols are at least two minutes long, making this a perfect way to add some fun to your dental routine. Although twice a day is great, you may want to add in an extra brushing after eating foods heavy in carbs or sugar.
Add a Rinse to Your Routine
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, give yourself the gift of a healthy mouth by adding a fluoride mouthwash to your routine. Rinsing with mouthwash after eating sweet and sticky treats can help to remove any residue leftover on your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Here at FDA, we recommend Oxyfresh mouthwashes, a powerful yet gentle mouth rinse designed to help keep your smile healthy and breath fresh.
Be Prepared with Travel-Sized Dental Care Products
If you plan to travel over the holidays, don’t forget to pack your toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. To save space in your luggage, shop ahead of time for travel-sized versions of all of your favorite products. Kids love miniature versions of things, so this creates an added incentive for them to take care of their teeth while they are away from home.
Treat Yourself (and Your Loved Ones) to a Water Flosser
Waterpiks and other water flossers make it easier to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line, reducing the risk of gingivitis. This is a nice alternative to flossing for those who find flossing difficult or painful. It is also a great option if you’re concerned about all those little plastic floss containers ending up in the landfill.
Gobble Up the Turkey – It’s Good for Your Teeth
Turkey is high in nutrients such as protein, calcium, and Vitamin D, and low in sugar, making this a good choice for your teeth and bones (although you may need a nap after eating it, due to its tryptophan content – a natural sleep aid).
Reach for Calcium-Rich Appetizers
Grab finger foods that are rich in calcium, like cheese, and vegetables such as broccoli and snow peas, along with dips made with cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Your teeth and bones will thank you!
Watch Out for Sugary Drinks
In addition to sugary, non-alcoholic drink choices, such as soda, eggnog, and hot chocolate, many alcoholic beverages are also surprisingly high in sugar. No need to skip the festive beverages altogether – just drink them in moderation, followed by a glass of water or a rinse with mouthwash.
Beware of the Crunch!
Common causes of broken fillings and teeth are ice, hard candies, and popcorn, so proceed with caution! Accidents do happen, so if you do have a dental emergency, rest assured that our team of compassionate dental professionals will get you in as soon as possible to make any necessary repairs.
Get Smile-Ready with Teeth Whitening
If you want to make sure your smile is in tip-top shape for photos, consider scheduling an appointment with either Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos to go over your teeth whitening options. Here at FDA, we offer both in-office whitening and at-home options.
Get Your Hygiene Appointment on the Books
After all the festivities, make sure that you have scheduled your regular hygiene appointment with us. To check on an existing appointment, or to make a new one, feel free to give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are your partners in oral health and are here to help!
