Caring for your teeth during the holidays can be especially important. With all the get-togethers, travel, and special dinners, teeth care may not be on the top of your to-do list, but it should be.
Any dentist in Magna, Utah, or anywhere else, will tell you that the holidays are a time you should pay extra attention to your teeth cleaning routines. With all of the homemade cookies, seasonal candy, cakes, and pies to enjoy, your teeth will be cleaned carefully to remove all of that extra sugar.
To add to the problems, travel and late nights will get you out of your normal routines. If you are not careful you may go to sleep with the day’s excesses still coating your teeth.
Here are 10 tips to help keep your teeth healthy and happy through the holiday season.
Caring for Your Teeth During the Holidays
Follow these tips to protect your teeth and your smile from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
- Carry a toothcare travel kit – even if you do not intend to spend the night at your destination, it is a good idea to carry a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash with you. That way you are prepared if a great party turns into an all-nighter.
- Carry sugarless gum – chewing sugarless gum is an effective way to remove excess food and sugar from your teeth. It also causes your mouth to secrete extra saliva which can help to flush out debris stuck between your teeth. Pop a piece in after dinner and no one will even notice you are cleaning your teeth.
- Don’t use your teeth to crack nuts – you may find out that the nutshell is harder than your teeth.
- Beware of crunching on hard or sticky candies – these can crack teeth or pull-out fillings.
- Drink plenty of water – this is good advice for many reasons, but for your teeth, it can help to rinse off the debris and flush out between them.
- Don’t use your teeth to rip tape – scissors work much better and using them won’t risk damage to your teeth.
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottles – this may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people damage their teeth doing it.
- When possible, follow your normal teeth cleaning routine – this should include brushing, flossing, and a mouthwash rinse.
- Keep your existing appointments – don’t skip your regularly scheduled dental appointments even if your schedule is full. Keeping them now may save you time, money, and pain later.
- Schedule a cleaning as soon after the holidays as possible – a deep cleaning by your dentist’s office can get rid of the last remnants of the holiday excesses and get your teeth ready for the coming year.
If you live in West Valley City or Magna Utah, now may be the right time to reach out to Cyprus Family Dental to set up an appointment for your post-holiday cleaning. We are a full-service practice and can provide you with the full spectrum of dental services. Contact us at Cyprus Family Dental today to set up an appointment for a cleaning or consultation.