Many people celebrate the holidays with large meals and sugary snacks. Some even drink wine or other spirits during holiday parties. These foods and drinks can potentially lead to cavities and other teeth damage before the fun is even over. Luckily, there are ways to prevent or mitigate tooth damage. Several ideas here will help you to avoid cavities this holiday season.
Stay Away From Sticky and Chewy Foods
Stay away from sticky or chewy foods and candies. These are things like dried fruits or taffy. Chewing these foods for a long time will increase the amount of acid in your mouth. The acid will break down the enamel on your teeth, and allow bacteria inside.
Rinse or Brush after Consuming Acidic Foods or Drinks
You want to brush after you eat or drink acidic foods. Acidic foods include many things you might eat during the holidays from cheese and ice cream, to cranberries and winter squash. Acidic drinks are things like wine, coffee, and soda. You want to stop the acid from damaging your teeth quickly. Brush right after finishing a large meal or snack. If you cannot brush, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
Chew Gum after Eating
One of the best natural defenses your body has against cavities is saliva. According to a Grimsby dentist, the saliva in your mouth neutralizes acids and kills bacteria. A way to promote saliva production during the holidays is to chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum for around 20 minutes after eating can stop harmful bacteria and acids from damaging your teeth.
Eat Balanced Meals
You are more likely to develop cavities over the holidays if you are eating chewy, acidic or sugary foods by themselves. It is far better to eat complete and balanced meals that include a variety of different foods. Alkaline foods can counteract the acidic foods and drinks, and crunchy foods can actually scrape away bacteria and particles from your teeth.
Do Not Forget Regular Cleanings
Never forget to schedule a cleaning before, during or just after the holiday season. A professional cleaning at an Eastgate Dental Centre can prevent cavities from forming. The cleaning will remove harmful substances from your teeth, even from between your teeth where it can be hard to reach.
You have to remain aware of your teeth even while trying to celebrate this holiday season. Stay away from foods that are clearly going to harm your teeth. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Just a little extra attention to your teeth can help you to avoid cavities during the holidays, and big expenses later.
