The holidays are a time when your calendar is filled with office parties and plenty of get-togethers with friends and family. And of course, there’s no shortage of eggnog, champagne, and holiday cookies around, which makes it a great time of year to indulge. But since nearly 1/3 of American adults have undiagnosed cavities (and consuming extra sugar doesn’t help), it’s worth it to take steps to maintain oral health in Sapulpa when you’re attending so many holiday parties. Keep reading for 5 easy, on-the-go things you can do to protect your smile this holiday season!
1. Drink Lots of Water
With so many sweet beverages around, don’t forget to drink plenty of plain water. In fact, make it your goal to drink two glasses of water for every holiday beverage you have. It’ll rinse residual sugars out of your mouth and also keep you well hydrated.
2. Bring Sugar-Free Gum Along
This is one of the easiest ways to counteract the effects of consuming lots of sugar at holiday parties. By increasing salivary flow, sugar-free gum washes away plaque and food debris and neutralizes the acids that cause cavities.
An added bonus is that it keeps your breath fresh, which is extra important when you’re chatting away at a party.
3. Keep Some Floss Around
Keep a small container of floss in your car or purse. You never know when you’ll get something stuck. And if someone else needs floss, you’ll be prepared!
4. Choose the Right Foods
Try to limit sticky foods like caramel or toffee because they adhere to the teeth and increase the risk of cavities. Also, chew extra carefully if you’re snacking on something hard or crunchy like peanut brittle or nuts. The last thing you want at a holiday party is to break a tooth or filling.
5. Schedule a Checkup
And, finally, if you’re due for a checkup during the holidays, don’t forget to schedule with a dentist in Sapulpa. That way, you’ll have your teeth professionally cleaned and polished so they look great, and can make sure you don’t have any cavities or other issues.
With these 5 tips, you can avoid dental problems and make sure you’re still smiling long after the holidays have come and gone!
About the Author
Having graduated first in her class in dental school, Dr. Dalia Georgy is a family dentist in Sapulpa who makes excellence a priority. During the holidays, her goal is to help her patients enjoy themselves and maintain a healthy smile at the same time. If you have any other questions about good oral health during the holidays, she can be reached via her website or at (918) 216-1000.