Tips For Optimal Dental Care During The Holidays

The holidays are the most fun time of year to indulge in delectable sweets, festive drinks, and rich, savory dishes. Sometimes indulgences are so worth it. However, there is no reason that your enjoyment of holiday fare needs to lead to tooth decay in the new year. Follow these tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the holiday season.

Tip #1: Drink Plenty of Water

During the winter months, people may drink less water since that oppressive heat isn't making them feel parched so often. Also, during the holidays, it can be easy to reach for a festive, sugary beverage instead of water. That can be bad for your overall well-being, and it can also be bad news for your dental health. While people don't typically associate water consumption with great teeth, being dehydrated means that your body will produce less saliva. Saliva can help prevent tooth decay, so a reduction of saliva can lead to cavities or worse. Avoid this by drinking eight glasses of water each day.

Tip #2: Don't Give in to Midnight Snacks

When you have so many delicious goodies in the house, it can be difficult to resist getting out of bed for one last bite of sweetness. However, if you consume that midnight snack after brushing your teeth, it can be bad news for your dental health. Going to sleep after eating a sugary snack can result in plaque and tooth decay. That is a holiday present that nobody wants to give themselves! If you must get a midnight snack, be sure to brush your teeth again before going to bed.

Tip #3: Don't Share Holiday Beverages

When you are at parties, it can be tempting to share festive drinks with a friend. After all, you can both try a greater variety of drinks that way, and it seems like a light-hearted social thing. When you share drinks, you will be swapping bacteria. Since you don't know how someone else's dental hygiene is and what other germs they may be carrying, it's better to stay away from drink swapping and sharing.

Finally, keep in mind that there are many things that you can do each day to prevent tooth decay and promote the health of your teeth and gums. Be sure to follow these tips. Brush your teeth two to three times per day and floss each day. When you do these things, you can set yourself up for optimal oral health throughout the holidays and new year.

For more information, contact local professionals like Family Dentistry Of Brick, PA.