The Christmas Carols are playing. There is a plenty of parties and delicious food. You are Finally relaxing with family friends. It is the best time of the year.
The last thing you want to happen is to end up with dental emergency.
During this festive season, while it is the perfect opportunity to indulge yourself, it is also important not to neglect your teeth.
To help you out, Here are 6 tips to help you look after your teeth and maintain your dental health:
Tip 1. Regular brushing and flossing
It’s holiday season. You could finally take a break from work and enjoy life. But don’t take a break from brushing and flossing your teeth, even for a single day.
You should brush and floss twice a day. Well…. maybe only FLOSS once a day because it is Christmas, I’m sure Santa Floss will forgive you. You could even add an extra brushing session during the day after a heavy meal or high sugar intake, or at least rinse your mouth with water.
If you want to look after your teeth, but brushing your teeth feels like a chore. It might be a good idea to add an electric toothbrush on your Boxing Day shopping list. It is proven to be more effective in brushing teeth. It is also more fun!
Tip 2. Enjoy Sweets in moderation!!!
Go easy on the chocolates!
You can have them, but don’t go overboard.
Research shows that sweats during meal time has less risks of causing extensive dental decays than having sweats regularly in between meals.
If you indulge in sugary food, avoid frequent snacking. It’s best to consume sweets during meal times, as your mouth will produce more saliva to neutralise excess sugar.
Tip 3. Avoid chewing hard foods.
If you crave for Christmas treat, it is best to choose soft variety. You will be surprised by how many visits we get from patients after they are chewing into hard sweats.
Candy canes, nuts, toffee apples, dried fruits and more!
Australia is unique in celebrating Christmas and New Years during hot summer season. It is important to stay cool and hydrated. But chewing on ice is not a smart move.
On a similar note, teeth are not designed to open beer bottles, or your Christmas presents.
If accident occurs, it is recommended to see your dentist as soon as possible. We are open a few days during the holiday season so that you could have your emergency problem attended to without delay.
Tip 4. Be mindful about consuming acidic foods and drinks
Lemons, red wines, juices, soda, pickles and soft drinks. They all contain acidic ingredients which could soften your tooth enamel, causing sensitivities or dental decays if you are not careful.
It is a good idea to drink acidic drinks through a straw.
Don’t brush your teeth straight after eating or drinks acidic product. Wait about 30mins before brushing so that you don’t risk brushing away weakened tooth structure.
Milk and cheese are examples of good foods to restore acid balance and keep teeth healthy.
Tip 5. Go easy on alcohol and avoid cigarettes.
Excessive alcohol intake and tobacco products increased risk of developing oral cancer.
Smoking is also one of the major modifiable risk factors in causing severe gum disease.
Enjoy a drink or two, but don’t get carried away.
Quit smoking! Could be your new year resolution?
Tip 6. Visit your dentist prior to holiday season
Prevention is the key. It is always easier and cheaper to treat dental problems early.
Existing dental problems or small cavities tend to deteriorate much quicker if subjected to further acidic or sugary challenge.
It is a good idea to look after your teeth, and get them checked and protected before the holiday season.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and New Year!
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