The holiday season usually comes with an extravagant spread of delicious food that everyone enjoys. With the extra parties and get togethers added to the schedule, it’s no wonder that many of us tend to pack on a few extra pounds over the holidays. While resolving to exercise more in the new year is a good way to shed those extra pounds, weight gain isn’t the only concern when it comes to your holiday diet. Actually, changing up your diet can have an impact on your teeth. Is your holiday diet contributing to cavities? Here are some steps you can take to keep your teeth safe.
Consider What You’re Eating Over the Holidays
If you’ve got a holiday baker in your life, that could mean you have some delicious sweets headed your way over the holidays. While this is great for your tastebuds, you want to make sure it’s not harmful for your teeth. Sugary foods can leave hard-to-remove residue on your teeth. That residue can contribute to bacterial growth and make it more difficult to get rid of plaque and tartar. If you’re upping your sweets intake, make sure you’re staying diligent about brushing your teeth twice a day. You may want to consider additional brushing after meals to remove the sugary residue.
Holiday Drinks Can Contribute to Cavities and Staining
Just like adding a slew of baked goods to your schedule, imbibing in holiday drinks can up your cavity risk. Hot cocoa is usually pretty high in sugar, and any sweet cocktails with cranberries may be adding sticky residue into the mix. In addition to upping your cavity risk, some of these dark or brightly colored beverages can contribute to the staining of your teeth. Swishing water around in your mouth after enjoying these drinks, and brushing your teeth an extra time per day can keep those residues out and reduce staining.
Do You Have Your Dentist Appointment Scheduled?
The end of the year is also a good time to get your second dental appointment for the year on the books. If you missed out on the end of this year, you’re likely going to be attending a biannual appointment in the new year. You want to your teeth to be in good shape when you visit the dentist, so now is the ideal time to ramp up your care routine. Be faithful about brushing and flossing over the holiday season to keep your teeth healthy, and to get ready for your next dentist appointment. If you haven’t scheduled your next appointment yet, it’s time to get it on the books!
Make Your Visit to Stubbs Family Dentistry
Keeping your teeth safe is a year-round priority! Make sure you’re taking extra steps to protect them this holiday season, and make sure you’ve got your dentist appointment on the books. At Stubbs Family Dentistry, you’ll receive comprehensive care and preventive advice. Schedule your appointment at Stubbs Family Dentistry in West Allis, WI by contacting our office at 414-541-8250.
