12 Ways to Look After your Teeth this Christmas
Christmas is only days away which means the festive season is in full swing. During this enjoyable time of year, you’re likely to attend parties and later than usual nights out, plus indulge in party foods and drinks. Below we have included things to mindful of this festive season so you can still have an enjoyable time and look after your oral health.
1. Beware of the buffet
Grazing throughout the day is a bad habit we often adopt during the Christmas season, but constantly nibbling is much worse for teeth than sticking to set mealtimes. If you find yourself snacking, try to choose tooth-friendly options, such as raw veggies or cheese.
2. Don’t brush after bubbly
Sparkling wine is both sugary and acidic, which is doubly harmful to tooth enamel – if you’re enjoying a glass (or two) make sure you wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth to minimise the damage. The same rule applies to all acidic foods and drinks.
3. Treat yourself or a loved one
Christmas is a time for giving. Why not purchase a new electric toothbrush for yourself or a relative? We recommend regularly changing your toothbrush (whether manual or an electric brush head). Storing a toothbrush in a closed container can cause bacteria to build up, bristles become frayed and worn with use and cleaning effectiveness decreases. Electric or battery-operated toothbrushes are more powerful at consistently reducing plaque and gum disease in both the short-and-long term. You’ll notice the difference (and so will your dentist!).
4. Carol as you clean
Most people don’t brush for the optimal two minutes each time, but if you hum a few verses of your favourite holiday songs while you clean your teeth, you’ll likely hit the target.
5. Don’t cut tape with teeth
Using teeth as tools is a common cause of dental emergencies over the festive period. Ripping open presents, tearing off labels, or cutting tape with teeth may save a few seconds, but it may also lead to chipping or breaking a tooth.
6. Opt for cheese, turkey and nuts!
A cheesecake dessert is a healthier choice; the reason being that cheese is actually GOOD for your teeth. So go ahead and enjoy that cheeseboard after Christmas dinner because cheese helps to return the mouth to its natural acid balance, reducing the chance of developing tooth decay. Turkey is also a good choice as it contains both phosphorus and protein, which are great for fighting decay and strengthening your teeth. Finally, nuts have terrific amounts of fiber, folic acid calcium, and other vitamins.
7. Keep drinking water
Regularly drink water throughout the day to rinse food particles and bacteria from your mouth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Choosing water rather than soda or fruit juice over the festive period will help to lower your overall sugar intake.
8. Choose dark chocolate over sticky toffee
Banning sweet treats may be unrealistic over the holidays, but you can minimise the risk to your teeth by avoiding hard candies that may crack teeth or sticky candies and toffees that stay in your mouth for extended periods of time.
9. Cut down on the sugary drinks
Most people enjoy more high-sugar drinks over Christmas than they would throughout the rest of the year. These include fizzy soft drinks, cordials and alcohol.
Prosecco is becoming a very popular tipple but are you aware of how bad it is for your dental health? The combination of its sugar content and high acidity means it can rot your teeth, as well as pull the gum away from your teeth.
It is important to be aware of how many sugary drinks you are taking in. Try to cut down as much as possible, and have a glass of water between drinks to neutralise the acidity in your mouth.
10. Don’t forget your regular routine
The holidays can throw everyone off balance but neglecting your oral hygiene routine can have serious long-term consequences – it only takes two minutes to brush thoroughly twice a day and another minute or so to floss!
11. Pack your toothbrush
Going away this Christmas? Don’t forget to pack the essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and any current treatments (e.g. Invisalign trays).
12. Book a check-up appointment
We always recommend booking a dental health check-up either just before or just after Christmas. Our dentists will be able to check your teeth and gums for any potential problems before they develop into more serious problems. Detecting issues early will often mean easier, quicker and cheaper treatment.
Our clinic is conveniently located close to Kew, Mont Albert, Surrey Hills, Hawthorn, Deepdene and Camberwell. Please feel free to contact our caring dentists on 03) 9817 7144 for any of your dental needs.
We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas!