As we enter the holiday season, you are likely to notice an influx of sweet treats and beverages in your home, school, or office. For many of us, holiday goodies are part of what makes this time of year so special. However, that doesn’t mean that holiday-related dietary changes aren’t problematic. In today’s article our Mill Valley dentists are going to be sharing important information on things that you can do to protect your oral health this holiday season.
Be Aware Of Ingredients
If you notice that your house is inundated with sugary treats during the holidays, you are not alone. In fact, it’s common to hear people complain about adding a few extra inches to their waistlines thanks to holiday excess. But did you know that these indulgences can likewise affect your oral health?
The harmful oral bacteria that live in your mouth need sugars and refined carbohydrates in order to grow. The more sugary treats you consume, the more fuel you are providing to the oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
Rinse Regularly
In order to minimize the impact that sugary and acidic treats have on your oral health, you may want to get into the habit of rinsing your smile with water throughout the day. This simple habit will help you clear away dental debris, neutralize bacteria, and re-mineralize dental enamel (through saliva production). Rinsing is gentle enough that it can be done multiple times a day without irritating oral tissues!
Indulge Intentionally
As you may imagine, sipping and snacking on holiday treats continuously is pretty bad for your smile. One thing that you can do to boost your oral health is to pick a specific time of day during which you will eat and drink sugary treats. By being mindful about your consumption, and limiting it to one portion of the day, you decrease the number of hours that oral bacteria are able to be active and feeding on sugars in your mouth.
As always our Mill Valley dentists are here to answer your questions, and to help you schedule a personal consultation with our team. Give our office a call or use the Contact Us page on our site to get started!