Hooray! The holidays are approaching! There’s so much to look forward to this time of year: gathering with family and friends, decorating the house with all the trimmings, giving back to your community, feasting on delicious holiday treats, giving and receiving the perfect gift…the list could go on and on! As you indulge in all the wonderful experiences this season has to offer, don’t forget to treat your mouth to some oral care that will keep it happy and healthy! Give your teeth the gift of excellent dental care! To help, here are our top three tips for a healthy holiday season:

Upgrade Your Toothbrush

You brush your teeth twice a day, so give yourself the best brush for the job. Our hygienists LOVE electric toothbrushes – they are more effective at cleaning plaque from your teeth and do a better job getting into all the nooks and crannies. If you’re not ready to go electric with your oral care, think about treating yourself to a new regular brush. We recommend you replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles become frayed. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush after an illness to ensure you don’t spread more germs. Look for a brush with soft bristles and the ADA seal of approval.

Drink More Water

This time of year, we all tend to eat more sweets and drink more sugary beverages. Hot cocoa is just too good! With all the extra indulgences, it’s especially important to drink lots of water. Drinking water helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles and can even help reduce plaque build-up. Reach for a glass of water after your meals or snacks to keep your mouth and your whole body feeling good!

Find Time for Flossing

Flossing is a hard habit to keep up with, especially when life gets busy…we know! Try reframing the task as a gift to yourself – flossing is truly one of the best things you can do for your oral health and your overall health. For example, studies show that flossing regularly is linked to improving health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If traditional floss is challenging for you, explore the alternatives such as water flossers and dental picks. Our team of hygienists often recommend products like ‘Go Betweens’ and ‘Plackers’ to patients. Find a product that works best for you and then find a time that works as well. It doesn’t matter when you floss, anytime is a good time to floss! If bedtime flossing feels like too much, try to set up the habit for your morning brush. This holiday season, give yourself the gift that will keep on giving to your overall health and wellness…flossing!

We hope you and your family have a truly wonderful holiday season this year! If it’s been awhile since you’ve been in to see Dr. Karagiorgos or Dr. Brunacini, please give us a call to schedule an appointment. We love giving our patients the best oral health care possible and would love to see you!