Give Yourself a Healthy Mouth for the Holidays
Amid the hustle and bustle of shopping for just the right thing, consider giving yourself a healthy mouth for the holidays. The gift of good oral health with teeth and gums that are free from pain and disease is important for so many reasons.
The gift of a healthy mouth doesn’t cost anything except diligence and dedication. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS offers several tips on ways to get through the holidays without damaging your oral health. The take-away? A healthy mouth and strong teeth are gifts that keep on giving for a lifetime if you do your part!
Ways to Stay on Track with Your Dental Health During the Holidays
- Holiday parties throughout December and January have many tempting foods and drinks that are hard to resist, but for your teeth’s sake, seek out the cheese and meat tray! Calcium in the cheese and protein in the meat can help your body fight tooth decay and keep your teeth strong and healthy. Pass on having crackers with that cheese. Starchy foods get trapped in your teeth and create the perfect storm that leads to plaque build-up. If you eat chips and baked goodies, rinse your mouth after eating and be extra diligent when you brush and floss to remove all the food particles.
- Carry a small toiletry bag with a travel sized toothbrush and toothpaste to work, or to keep in the glovebox of your car. Brushing your teeth after lunch will help to keep your mouth fresh and your teeth clean.
- If brushing isn’t possible, keep some sugarless gum on hand. Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following a meal can help prevent tooth decay. Gum increases the production of saliva, which helps to wash away food and other debris. It also counteracts acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Saliva also provides disease-fighting substances which carry more calcium and phosphates to strengthen tooth enamel.
- Fresh fruit is naturally sweet and is a good alternative to all the cookies and holiday goodies. Fruit also has beneficial plant compounds and fiber, allowing you to have your sugar fix while keeping your mouth and teeth healthy.
- Raw vegetables, such as celery and carrots, help remove bacterial debris from your teeth and they stimulate gum tissue and strengthen your tooth enamel. Veggies are also good for your waistline, which is an added bonus!
- Water is the perfect drink for protecting your teeth! Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks promote bacteria to thrive in your mouth. Acids from these beverages can eat away at your tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay, Gingivitis and bad breath. Alcohol can also dry out your mouth, which promotes the growth of bacteria.
Modern Dentistry is a Gift for Having a Healthy Mouth
Modern dentistry provides many preventive measures to ensure a healthy mouth. Along with daily maintenance, the first and most important step to a healthy mouth is regular visits with Dr. Evanson. Her top priority is to help children, teens and adults achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. She also focuses on prevention, tooth preservation, and treats you with an individualized treatment plan specifically designed to address your unique needs.
Amid all the hustle and bustle of shopping for just the right thing, consider giving yourself a healthy mouth for the holidays. Giving yourself good oral health might be one the best gifts you’ve ever received. You can check one more thing off of your holiday list by calling us at (720) 409-0008 or contacting us online to set up an appointment. Happy holidays to you and yours!
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