It is sometimes hard to maintain a good oral health during the Holidays. This is why we have created a list of 10 tips that will definitely help you taking good care of your teeth… read ’til the end, there is a bonus tip! ;)
1. Avoid sticky, hard, chewy, gummy or sugary foods
This category includes candy canes, soft mint chews, peppermints, caramel, chestnuts and other standard holiday foods. They can sure be tasty, but they are no friend to your teeth and gums.
Hard candy can crack your teeth if you bite down wrong. It may be better to let candies dissolve to prevent any chipping or other damage. Moreover, chewy products stick to the teeth and may harm tooth enamel. They can also leave a residue that can lead to tooth decay.
2. Stick to your daily oral health routine
The Holiday season can sometimes be very busy and you might be tired, or excited, but it is very important that you continue performing proper tooth brushing and interdental cleaning at least twice each day. Many people find it easiest to brush and floss in the morning and at bedtime. Your children should also stick to this routine.
3. Drink plenty of water daily
Drinking water has so many benefits, especially during the holidays when you are out and about and want to look and feel your best.
It can freshen your breath and aid in digestion and elimination. Water can also fill you up so you won’t be tempted to snacks. But one of water’s best perks is that it can clean away freshly formed bacteria.
And if you eat too much acidic food, try taking 15 to 20 seconds to cleanse your teeth by swishing water in your mouth. Doing this simple trick stops the acid from attacking your teeth and also encourages the production of saliva.
4. Don’t use your teeth as a tool
Opening packages, bottles, snack bags or applying tape to presents are some examples of things you may want to break open or cut with your teeth, but… don’t do it! Using your teeth as a tool can cause chips and breaks.
Your teeth are great for many things like chewing and enunciating. But they do not make good tools. With time, this activity will weaken the enamel and the more fragile edges of your teeth.
5. Watch the wine
During the holidays, we are sometimes tempted by a nice bottle of red wine or a great white. Remember that red wine can stain your teeth, so if you are drinking red, do so with food to mitigate how much of it gets on your teeth. Even if white wine is less of a risk to your white smile, be sure to drink with moderation. It is loaded with sugar that can cause cavities. Also, keep a glass of water near hand to neutralize the acidic challenges and make sure to brush well.
6. Stay clear of soda
Soda and carbonated beverages are consumed more frequently during the holidays. They are loaded with sugar and acid, which can cause cavities and weaken the enamel protecting your teeth. If you must drink soda, use a straw to reduce contact of the acid with your teeth. Also, remember to rinse your mouth with water after drinking pop. It will help neutralize the acidity.
7. Choose to snack on cheese
Everyone loves a sip of bubbly during the holidays. But these beverages are high in acid which can affect tooth enamel. To cut the acid content without cutting into your fun, eat a chunk of cheese in between sips. The pH of cheese neutralizes the acid in the beverage and the calcium is great for your tooth health as well.
8. Pack a to-go teeth cleaning kit for parties
Most of the people are on-the-go during the holiday season and are not often at home. What to do to keep your teeth clean? Pack a little to-go teeth cleaning kit that you can take to parties with you. It will help you remember to care for your teeth during this time of year.
9. Avoid teeth-staining beverages & habits
If you often drink red wine, coffee, soda or sugary drinks like cranberry for those delicious cosmopolitans, it could affect the brightness of your teeth as they are tooth stainers. So, to keep your teeth as white as possible this holiday season, prefer light-colored or clear beverages. Your best choice, as we said earlier, is water, but you can also go for fresh juice or milk.
10. Dip into veggies & fill up with fruit
Holidays are the time to treat yourself to some sweets or all the tasty snacks that won’t come around again for another 12 months. But balance your diet with crunchy fruits and veggies. Broccoli and carrots are great choices for your teeth because they are loaded with vitamin A which will strengthen your enamel. And, instead of trying all the sugary desserts at your holiday meal, turn to fruits. Stick to one sweet dessert and then prep a big fruit plate to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Bonus tip
Try the X-PUR range of products. It is the best you can offer your family to support them in maintaining an optimal oral health! Do no compromise when choosing how you will take care of your teeth and gums. So, give the gift of health this holiday season with some X-PUR products.
