The holiday season is well and truly here, and most of us are surrounded by festive treats that are difficult to resist. However, it’s still possible to enjoy Christmas while maintaining a healthy smile by following our easy tips.
- Make sure you stick to your regular oral hygiene routine, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once-a-day. If you are out and about a lot this holiday, pack a dental travel kit with you so you can freshen up wherever you are.
- Try to be mindful about snacking in between meals and whenever possible choose more tooth-friendly options such as cheese, fresh fruits and veggies, and plain yoghurt or healthy dips such as hummus. Make sure you drink plenty of water.
- Be careful about what you drink as soft drinks and wine are packed full of sugar and acid that can damage your teeth and cause staining. If you can, limit your consumption and make sure you drink water between other beverages. Also, wine and cheese make a great combination. Chewing cheese increases saliva production, and it contains lots of calcium helping to neutralise sugars and acid while strengthening your tooth enamel.
- After eating and drinking wait at least half an hour to an hour before you brush your teeth because initially your tooth enamel is weakened and softened by acid. This gives your tooth enamel a chance to recover and to strengthen before brushing. Brushing any sooner could result in brushing away your tooth enamel.
Everything in moderation is the best approach and Christmas is a time to spend with friends and family so enjoy!
