The holidays are here, which means festive décor, shopping for loved ones, and relishing your favorite seasonal foods and desserts. If you’re not careful, though, you might fall into bad habits that can damage your oral health. When the new year arrives, many dentists find that their patients weren’t thorough enough in their dental hygiene routine to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Keep reading to learn 4 things you can do this winter to avoid a trip to their office!
Tip #1: Have a Stocking Stuffer Strategy
If you and your family put stockings on the fireplace or mantle, consider filling them with smile-friendly gifts and goodies instead of the usual chocolates and candies. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so a new one is a great idea. If you’re shopping for little ones, you can also find toothpaste flavors like strawberry and bubblegum that they’ll enjoy. Encouraging healthy habits instead of noshing on sweets will reduce the likelihood of developing a dental issue.
Tip #2: Sing While You Clean
You probably already know that you should brush and floss your teeth twice daily to prevent cavities and gingivitis, but did you know that you should be scrubbing for two minutes each session? People often don’t meet this milestone, but if you hum a couple of verses of your favorite song or carol, that can help ensure that you’re brushing long enough.
Tip #3: Don’t Use Your Teeth as a Tool
Between ordering packages and helping children open their many toys and games, it’s tempting to use your teeth to cut through annoying tape, tear boxes, or snap off plastic ties or strings. Please don’t! You could chip or fracture a tooth, or accidentally slice your gums. Avoid an emergency trip to your dentist and use the appropriate tools like scissors or box cutters to unwrap your loot.
Tip #4: Watch What You Eat
Filling up on cookies and candy canes might satisfy your sweet tooth, but unfortunately, sugar attracts harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. To avoid problems, fill up on foods that help your pearly whites rather than hurt them. For example, colorful vegetables are packed with vitamin C which is essential for healthy gums. Choose cheese over chocolate because it has calcium that’s good for your teeth. Turkey contains protein and phosphorous that help your body fight cavities.
The holidays don’t have to be hard on your dental health. Make conscious decisions about what you’re putting in your mouth and how you care for yourself so you can start the new year with a beautiful, happy smile!
About the Practice
At Avion Dental & Orthodontics you and your family benefit from a team of dental experts who provide a wide range of services in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Our dedicated team is 100% bilingual so that a language barrier doesn’t keep you from getting the care that you deserve. We also have classic arcade games onsite so you and the kids can look forward to your next visit. We understand that your schedule is full and offer same-day and Saturday appointments to meet your needs. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 807-9887.