The holiday season has officially arrived and that means it’s time to be extra mindful of your teeth in order to avoid possible dental care problems. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas through the beginning of the new year, it’s normal to expect lots of temptation with sweets. Your friends or relatives may have baked you cookies, you may join the family for a holiday meal or you may have succumbed to the pumpkin pie, chocolate or other sweets over Thanksgiving weekend.
Eventually, all that holiday eating can take a toll, not only on your waistline but also your teeth. If you’re concerned about good dental care practices this holiday season, we’ve put together this guide to help you avoid and problems and potential dentist visits.
Brush after every meal
During the holidays, your teeth are going to get quite a workout. It’s always a good idea to brush immediately after any meal to help reduce not only the plaque and another build up on your teeth, but to actually prevent overeating. Studies have shown that you are less inclined to continue eating after brushing your teeth.
Stay out of the kitchen
If you’re not around food 24/7, you’re less likely to eat. This is why it’s a good idea to remove yourself from the kitchen or dining room when it’s not meal time. If you’re not interested in joining the crowds of holiday shoppers at the mall, find another activity that takes you away from the food and into something healthy.
Floss
Whether it’s the holidays or not, you should always floss your teeth. However, during the holidays it becomes especially important since you will often be eating more than you would on a regular day. Holiday sweets, such as caramel corn, eggnog and candy canes are well known for you getting stuck in your teeth and this is even more reason for a flossing regimen.
The holidays are the perfect time for family and friends to come together and give thanks for health and happiness. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or other holidays, you are sure to enjoy the delicious holiday eats. Follow our holiday dental care tips outlined above and you can avoid a trip to the dentist’s office. If you had a few too many candy canes and need to book an appointment, contact Smiles of Bellevue and Eastside Smiles today.
