Sugary sweets and snacking remain a part of many people’s traditional celebration of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and other parties that occur this time of year in Los Angeles. So here are ten suggestions for keeping your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful during this holiday season.

  1. Eat Healthy Foods
    While you enjoy that high calorie, high fat, and high sugar traditional holiday treats, be sure to add some healthy foods into the mix. Choose cheese and crackers as a snack, especially if the crackers are made from whole grain.
  2. Eliminate and Avoid Some Foods
    Some of the candies to avoid or significantly limit during the holidays are those that are sugary, hard, sticky and gummy. These types of candies are very damaging to dental enamel and mess up fillings and crowns to no end.
  3. Don’t Get Out of Your Regular Dental Care Routine.
    Brush your teeth at least twice per day. Also, adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily oral health routine remains an excellent idea. If you have a daily routine of good oral health, all you have to do is maintain that during the holidays. Add another round of brushing after feasting if needed.
  4. Keep Your Dental Appointments.
    Don’t let parties, changes in schedules and visits from friends and relatives keep you from routine checkups and cleaning appointments. Dental cleaning and checkups remain the primary way to keep your teeth healthy and your smile lovely.
  5. Hydration Remains Crucial During the Holidays.
    One thing that you must continue to do is stay hydrated during the holidays. Drinking flavored, sugar-free water and plain water go a long way to keep your general health and your dental health going strong during the holidays.
  6. Teeth aren’t Bottle Openers.
    Don’t use your teeth as bottle openers. Also, keep pliers and scissors handy, so you won’t be tempted to open packages or take off price tags with your teeth.
  7. Chew Cinnamon Flavored Gum
    One of the naturally occurring ingredients in cinnamon is a cinnamon aldehyde. Cinnamon aldehyde kills bacteria in the mouth that can cause cavities.
  8. Avoid Drinking Dark Colored Beverages.
    To keep your teeth bright and white, drink clear or light-colored beverages. Avoid teas, colas and coffee beverages, which darken the enamel of your teeth.
  9. Choose Cheese
    Eating cheese adds calcium and protein to your diet. And if you want to drink a bit of champagne or wine and eat some cheese, the cheese will neutralize the acid from the alcohol and acid in your mouth.
  10. Have Basic Dental Supplies Handy
    You’ll be eating and drinking in many places over the next six weeks or so. Be sure to carry dental floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush with you. Keep these tools in your purse or car for quick cleaning of your teeth when you can’t get home to brush.

Reach out to schedule an appointment with us today to keep your brilliant smile glowing during the holidays at 818.788.8787. Use your dental insurance to its fullest benefits before the end of the year.

Published On: December 11th, 2018 / Categories: Dental Health /