‘Tis the season for giving, and a healthy smile is one of the best gifts all year long. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), maintaining oral hygiene is extremely important, especially during the minefield of sugary soirees and cocktails galore.
“Holiday get-togethers tend to lead people to consume sugary treats and drink alcoholic beverages more than usual,” says AGD spokesperson George Shepley, DDS, MAGD. “Additionally, with their busy schedules and increased stress levels, I’ve noticed that my patients’ oral hygiene suffers. They forget the most basic of oral hygiene tasks that can counteract the effects of sugary snacks and drinks.”
If all you want this holiday season is to keep your two front teeth, or all of your teeth for that matter, then check out Dr. Shepley’s tips on how to save your smile. Save your smile with these easy pointers.
Wine
Think red wine is the only problem? Think again. Whether red or white, the high acidity levels in wine can eat away at a tooth’s enamel. Tooth enamel is critical in the protection against decay and cavities. To avoid damage, refrain from swishing the wine around in your mouth, and drink water in between beverages to rinse the teeth of the acid. Cheers!
Sweets
We all like to indulge this time of year, but beware. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on the sugars, so eating those sweet treats can increase your risk of developing cavities. Awareness is the key. If you are not able to brush and floss after munching on sweet treats, drink water or chew a piece of sugarless gum. This will boost saliva flow in the mouth and help wash away bacteria.
Stress
Even though they can be magical, the holidays stress us out. Increased anxiety can cause people to grind or clench their teeth, causing jaw pain, headaches, and chipping. “Finding ways to alleviate your anxiety can help, like deep breathing, exercise, and a calming bedtime ritual. It’s also important to see your dentist if you notice problems. Solutions like a custom night guard might work for you,” advises Dr. Jeremy Friedman.
Drs Jeremy and Kara Friedman encourage all of their patients to remember that the gift of oral health is one that keeps on giving all year long!
“A healthy smile should always be at the top of your wish list,” says Dr. Kara Friedman. “Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is still the best thing you can do for your smile.”
