Do you love holiday treats? Well, guess what? So do the bacteria in your mouth. When they chow down on food particles left behind on your teeth, they create acids that can cause cavities and gum disease. Gross, right? As it turns out, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Here are six tips from a dentist in Lincoln to keep your smile healthy during the holiday season.
1. Eat Sweets WITH Your Meal
It’s common to wait a while after your meal to enjoy your dessert, but this is actually worse for your teeth. Saliva production increases when you eat a meal, so go ahead and treat yourself. The excess saliva will help wash out the sugar so that it doesn’t linger on your teeth and cause damage.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps clean the mouth out, in addition to all its other health benefits. It helps produce saliva that strengthens your teeth, keeps the gums hydrated, and washes food particles away from the teeth. Drinking water will also help keep you full so you don’t feel as tempted to binge on holiday sweet treats.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Although the holiday season can be busy, try to aim for at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Getting enough sleep will boost your immune system and allow you to fight off mouth infections like gum disease.
4. Lay Out Some Cheeses
Cheese is naturally one of the best foods out there for your pearly whites. It contains vitamins that make your tooth enamel stronger in the fight against decay. It also houses natural cavity-fighting agents that kill off excess bacteria on your teeth.
5. Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
The skin of many fruits and vegetables naturally scrub your teeth clean when you eat them. When the natural fibers of the fruits and veggies combine with the saliva in your mouth, they help wash away bacteria that cause tooth stains, gum disease, and cavities.
6. Chew on Fresh Herbs
Chewing on herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint helps decrease odors caused by bacteria that result in bad breath. Add some to your salad and chew them after indulging in holiday treats.
Now you know how to enjoy treats without destroying your teeth this holiday season. Just follow the six tips listed above. That will be your present to your mouth this holiday!
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is not only a long-term student of Spear Education, but is a member of the Spear Visiting Faculty. His philosophy for his Lincoln, NE practice is that predictable results come from a sound diagnosis, coupled with a comprehensive, individually tailored treatment plan. He thoroughly enjoys spending time with his patients. To get to know Dr. Olberding even more, click here to contact his practice.