The holiday season is a time for indulging at regular family gatherings, work parties, and get togethers with friends. While it’s fun to partake in the festivities, they can do a number on your teeth. During the upcoming holidays, don’t be afraid to enjoy the occasional treat and stick to the following tips to keep your teeth in top shape.
Drink lots of water. Drinking water is one of the simplest ways to stave off sweet cravings and to feel great in the midst of lots of holiday events. Before sitting down to a big family dinner or heading off to a party, drink a glass of water to help control your portions.
Use a straw for sugary drinks. When you’re ready for a break from water and want to splurge on a soda or glass of punch, grab a straw for your glass. Directing sugary fluid away from your teeth minimizes its impact while still allowing you to enjoy the taste of the drink.
Eat sweets as part of a well balanced meal. Snacking throughout the day exposes your teeth to large quantities of harmful acids that aren’t able to neutralize. When you eat a piece of chocolate immediately following dinner, your mouth rinses it off with saliva and neutralizes the acid right away.
Steer clear of sticky and chewy foods. Foods that are sticky or chewy, such as candy canes and caramel corn, stick to your teeth for long periods of time, further increasing harmful acid production. Balance sticky foods with healthy crunchy foods like carrots and bell peppers.
Keep a travel sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss on hand. Drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables during holiday gatherings can’t replace brushing and flossing teeth after meals. Whenever possible, brush and floss right after a holiday get together.
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