5 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy Through the Holidays

Our compassionate team at Smile Bright Dental in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida, keeps your smile bright throughout the holiday season and beyond through preventive dentistry and more. 

We’re here to help with crowns, bridges, fillings, root canals — emergency and non-emergency dental situations that may arise now or in the future.

Although the holidays tend to encourage sugary treats, there are still plenty of ways to keep your teeth strong, including the following five tips.

Tip 1: Avoid foods that invite cavities

When you fill up on your favorite treats this season, try to limit decay-causing options, such as:

• Chewy caramels
• Candy corn
• Hard candies and lollipops
• Dried fruit
• Crunchy nuts
• Sodas

Even foods high in starch, such as chips and crackers, break down into sugar in your mouth. When combined with certain bacteria, they create an acidic environment that harms enamel, causing tooth decay.

If you crave a little holiday chocolate therapy, opt for dark over milk chocolate, since it contains more antioxidants and less sugar. Citrus fruits also contribute to decay. Our team recommends eating them during a meal, rather than by themselves, so other foods can help neutralize their acid.

Tip 2: Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to encourage good oral health. Water helps:

• Rinse away food and sugars that feed bacteria
• Diminish decay-causing acids
• Ward off dry mouth, which can lead to unwanted plaque and bad breath

We suggest counteracting holiday alcoholic drinks, which can dry out your mouth, with lots of hydrating water.

Tip 3: Use a nutcracker

Your teeth may be strong, but they’re no match for nut shells. Avoid cracking them with your teeth. Utilize a nutcracker instead this holiday season and beyond.

Also, forgo chomping on ice or hard candy, which can damage vulnerable teeth and gums.

Tip 4: Remember to brush and floss

Keep up your cleaning routine throughout the holidays. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least twice a day. It’s especially important to brush and floss after meals to flush plaque and debris away.

We also recommend twice-yearly dental cleanings to further reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Tip 5: Say “cheese”

Besides being creamy and delicious, cheese’s alkalinity provides a great way to reduce harmful acids in your mouth. Keep plenty on hand for yourself and guests. We recommend chewing cheese between sips of alcoholic beverages and fruit drinks to counteract their acidic nature.

Consider helpful gifts that keep on giving

If you’re looking for stocking stuffers or healthful gifts, add electric toothbrushes or water flossers to your list. These remove food and plaque from your teeth, massage your gums, and promote blood circulation. 

Water flossers also reach more places than regular floss, penetrating gum pockets to remove bacteria. They’re particularly helpful for cleaning dental bridges, implants, and braces.

The last thing you want to worry about over the holidays is a dental issue. Our knowledgeable team provides helpful preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures to keep your mind at ease and mouth healthy during the holidays and throughout the year.

To schedule a visit, give us a call today or book online anytime.