The holidays are a time for joy and indulgence, no matter your age. Whether you’re worried about developing cavities after sampling sugary treats this holiday season or you want to make sure your children don’t overdo it on the sweets, it pays off to put some thought into what you’re eating this winter. Dental issues can have a long-lasting effect on your overall health, and your wallet, so you need to take preventative steps even during the most wonderful time of year. Let’s take a look at some of the most helpful tips for avoiding cavities, gum disease, and other dental conditions while still treating yourself to some holiday happiness this year.
Choose Teeth-Friendly Foods
The holiday season only comes around once a year and you should give yourself permission to enjoy some more decadent treats and sweets. However, you also need to balance those with foods that are good for your dental health. Be sure to incorporate plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and apples, into your diet. These foods help clean your teeth as you eat them. Whole grains and plenty of water will also go a long way in boosting your dental health and allowing you to indulge in sugar here and there.
Skip the Cavity Culprits
About 92% of adults have had a cavity at some point in their lives. Also known as tooth decay, cavities occur when the enamel on your teeth has been destroyed. Sugar is often the cause of this issue. To avoid the unfortunate effects of sugar, avoid treats like candy canes, mint chews, and other overly sugary staples. Anything that is too sticky, hard, chewy, gummy, or sugary poses a risk to your dental health. You can come out of the holiday season with a clean bill of dental health by leaving those candies in the bowl and opting for treats with far less sugar.
Schedule a Post-Holiday Appointment with Your Family Dentist Now
One of the best ways to protect your dental health during the holiday season is by making time to visit your family dentist. Everyone in your family should be visiting the local dentist two times a year and the months right after the holidays is the perfect time for one of these appointments. Call your family dentist to schedule dental services such as cleanings and check-ups for every member of your family as soon as you can. Schedules are filling up fast so by calling now, you can make post-holiday appointments that will keep your teeth in tip-top shape.
In addition to following these tips, be sure to keep up with your normal dental routine during the holidays. Brushing and flossing will be more important than ever as you snack on holiday sweets, even if you follow the other tips too. And remember to call Thomas Dentistry today to schedule your post-holiday appointments with your family dentist.
