During the holidays, there’s certainly no shortage of parties to attend. Between cookie-exchanges at work, neighborhood gatherings, and family get-togethers, you may find yourself indulging quite a bit. And since no one wants to see a dentist in Norman for unexpected dental work, is it possible to maintain your oral health without turning into a total Scrooge? Absolutely – as long as you have a few good tips and tricks! Below, you’ll learn about 5 easy ways to protect your smile this holiday season and enjoy yourself without worry.
1. Be Mindful of Your Food Choices
At parties, you don’t have to completely avoid sticky treats like caramel or toffee. But try to balance those choices with foods that naturally fight cavities. Cheese is a great example and contains minerals like calcium and phosphorous that counteract sugars and acids. Crunchy vegetables are also helpful because they have a scrubbing action that naturally keeps your teeth clean.
And don’t forget to be careful when you’re eating something hard or crunchy like nuts or peanut brittle, especially if you have a lot of dental work.
2. Reach For Plain Water
With so much sugar around during the holidays, make plain water your beverage of choice. If you also want to enjoy eggnog or cider, you can always alternate with a glass of water to rinse away sugars and keep you well hydrated.
3. Keep Extra Floss On Hand
Carry a small container of floss in your pocket or purse to prevent cavities in between your teeth and dislodge sticky food.
4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Brushing isn’t usually an option at holiday parties, but chewing sugar-free gum is an on-the-go way to counteract cavity-causing sugars and acids. By increasing salivary flow, it washes away plaque and neutralizes acids. It also keeps your breath fresh, which is an added bonus when you’re talking to friends and family.
5. Don’t Forget To Schedule a Checkup
And, finally, don’t forget to schedule a checkup and cleaning. It’s the best way to prevent small problems from turning into emergencies. Not to mention that you’ll also get a professional cleaning to make your teeth look great.
With a little know-how, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy yourself at holiday parties and keep your smile healthy and happy at the same time.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen is a family dentist in Norman and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College Of Dentistry. With a focus on prevention, he always provides tips and tricks to help his patients avoid dental problems as much as possible. If you want more information about maintaining your smile at holiday parties or have any questions, he can be reached via his website.