Holidays are a tough time of year for your overall health. The weather may not be the best for outdoor exercise and, with all the festivities, there is never enough time. We all know it’s easy to gain a couple of pounds around the waist. But what about protecting your teeth over the holidays? With sugary treats all around, what can you do to help your pearly whites stay that way? Here are a few tips to help your smile make it through the holidays and beyond.
Drink water
With all the merrymaking, you might load up on soft drinks or energy drinks to keep you going. By sticking with water, you avoid both the cavity-causing sugar and the waist-expanding calories. And for hydration, water is pretty hard to beat!
Careful with the candy canes!
Not only are these holiday favorites almost entirely sugar, but along with most other hard candies, they can chip your teeth. Be sure to brush thoroughly after you’ve given in to their temptation.
Have some more turkey
As a protein rich in phosphorus, turkey can help you fight gum disease and tooth decay.
Swap sweets for fruit
At the end of a holiday meal, try substituting sweets and cakes with some mixed fruit helpings. Fruit cocktails have enough variety to suit any taste.
Wine and cheese, anyone?
If you do indulge in a few glasses of wine over the holidays, be aware that red wines can stain your teeth. Be sure to couple some delicious cheeses with your wine. The cheese helps reduce the acidity caused by alcohol, and the calcium is great for keeping teeth strong.
The general theme is to avoid sugar whenever possible. By following these bits of advice, you can protect your teeth over the holidays and improve your chances of having a beautiful holiday smile for many years to come. If you would like any further information regarding dental care, please don’t hesitate to contact us.