With the air getting chilly and the beautiful lights springing up around town, you know it’s that magical time of year. You’re likely excited about spending time with the family or watching the holiday parades. While you’ll also be looking forward to enjoying your favorite festive meals, be sure to give thanks to your pearly whites. The season just wouldn’t be the same without them. Keep reading to learn four ways to appreciate your teeth during the holidays from your dentist in Marion!
#1: Choose Your Foods Wisely
Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, you’ll want to fully enjoy all the tasty food around you. However, you should also try to stick with meals that won’t be harmful to your teeth in the long run. For this reason, you’ll want to avoid overindulging in sugary treats, as they can increase your risk of developing cavities.
Be sure to also refrain from foods that are too hard or crunchy, which can chip, damage, or compromise your pearly whites. The last thing you want is to need an emergency dental visit during the festivities. Try picking vitamin-rich meals (like cooked veggies, lean proteins, and complex carbs) that are both nutritious and smile-friendly to keep your teeth in good health.
#2: Drink Plenty of Water
One of the highlights of the holiday season is enjoying festive beverages like hot chocolate, red wine, apple cider, and eggnog. While these drinks are delicious and often irresistible, you’ll want to make sure you drink lots of water as well. This will help promote saliva production and wash away most sugars, acids, and bacteria, preventing them from collecting in your mouth.
#3: Remember Your Oral Hygiene Routine
While you’ll likely have plenty of fun during the holidays, you don’t want to go off track with your oral hygiene. That’s why you should always brush your teeth before going to bed, especially if you spent the day grazing on delicious treats. Any food particles and debris can be detrimental to your oral health if left to settle in your smile overnight. Don’t forget to practice good dental hygiene regularly throughout the day, and be sure to rinse your mouth after every meal.
#4: Schedule Dental Checkups & Cleanings Regularly
Be sure to visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months. This will help keep your teeth in pristine condition and prevent more serious health issues from starting, such as gum disease, cavities, and infection. Your dentist will also provide you with personalized dental treatment so you can maintain good oral health for many years to come.
During Thanksgiving, take some time to show your teeth how much you appreciate them. Keep these few tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to enjoy a happier and healthier smile in the long run!
About the Practice
At Cross Creek Dental Care, we provide completely customized dental care to address your specific needs. To deliver the best possible treatment, we utilize the latest in technology and prioritize education to stay up to date with advancements in dentistry. We offer a wide selection of high-quality and comprehensive services, including dental checkups/cleanings, periodontal therapy, fillings, and oral cancer screenings. If you’d like to schedule your next appointment, visit our website or call 740-725-8000.