With Thanksgiving in the rearview, the holiday season is in full swing. You have family events, holiday parties, and more in the future, which means a lot of sugary foods and drinks. As dental professionals, we understand how these delicious treats could actually endanger yours smile. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maintain a healthy holiday smile.
Tips for Healthy Holiday Smiles
- Drink Water: Sometimes it seems like we drink anything but water, but sodas, energy drinks, sweet eta, and even hot chocolate all contain high amounts of sugar, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. Water contains no sugars, no harmful acids, and keeps you hydrated and healthy. When you sit down for your meal, grab a glass of water, which will help rinse away food particles without coating the teeth in sugar.
- Resist Temptation of Sugary Foods: Foods high in sugars and starches can leave behind particles for bacteria to break down, a process that increases the levels of oral acidity and weakens tooth enamel. However, by limiting your consumption of sugary desserts and adding more fresh fruit and vegetables to your plate, you help both your waistline and your smile. In addition, some of the rougher fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and apples, can actually help scrub away plaque as you eat them.
- Always Brush: You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and again before going to bed. Even during the holidays, we urge you to find time to clean your teeth.
- Floss Daily: Even more important than brushing, you should floss every night before going to bed. You can also excuse yourself after the big holiday meal and floss your teeth during the day as well. When you floss, you remove the bits of food caught between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Schedule Your Last 2016 Visit: Don’t forget to use your benefits before they expire, schedule your last checkup and cleaning of the year!
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
