Your teeth do a lot for you—especially during the holidays! How else would you be able to enjoy all of your favorite foods and make cheerful, special memories if not for your pearly whites? That said, it never hurts to take a moment to show your appreciation and ensure that you’re taking the best possible care of them. Here are a few helpful oral health tips from your dentist in Dallas to keep your teeth white and bright this holiday season.
1. Be Mindful of Your Diet
It’s hard to resist the tempting aroma of a freshly baked pumpkin or pecan pie, and as a result, it might be difficult to minimize your consumption of sugar during the holidays. But you should do what you can to ensure that you’re eating a healthy diet, while also avoiding potentially problematic foods. This doesn’t just include sugary sweets, but also foods that could physically harm your teeth including particularly hard, crunchy, or chewy items. No one wants to sustain a dental emergency during Thanksgiving dinner, after all! That said, be sure you’re also consuming plenty of lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs to offset any unhealthy nutritional choices.
2. Don’t Skip Brushing Before Bed
You’ve probably been told your whole life that you need to brush your teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once before going to bed. This is good advice year-round, but it’s especially pertinent during the holiday season. If you go to sleep without brushing your teeth, you’re giving leftover food particles and bacteria several uninterrupted hours to wreak havoc inside your mouth! This can greatly increase your risk of oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease—especially considering all of the sweets and treats that are shared this time of the year!
3. Drink Plenty of Water
From apple cider and mulled wine to eggnog and hot cocoa, there are plenty of festive drinks to enjoy all throughout the holiday season. And while it’s hard to resist indulging in some of these beverages every once in a while, you should stick to water as often as possible. Water is the absolute best beverage for your oral health, as it stimulates your mouth’s natural flow of saliva and helps to rinse away leftover food particles.
4. Don’t Skip Out on Routine Dental Visits
Visiting your dentist twice a year is one of the best ways you can show appreciation and gratitude to your pearly whites. Your dentist has the means and expertise for ensuring that your teeth aren’t just clean, but also in the clear and protected from oral health concerns that still might be in the early stages.
This Thanksgiving and beyond, ensure that your smile is ready for all of your holiday festivities by following these tips.
About the Practice
The team at Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas has proudly served patients and families in the DFW metroplex for several years. The practice is led by Dr. Scott Ludlow and Dr. Shayan Azimi. Together they combine years of experience to provide an exceptional level of care for all their patients. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (469) 981-1700.
