The holiday season is when many of us let our diets relax and our tables and calendars overflow with dinner parties, dessert buffets, social drinks, and plenty of sweets. While there's nothing wrong with adding a little bit of merriment to your holiday get-togethers, be sure to keep your oral health in mind as you wine and dine your way through the season. Here are five easy tips for maintaining a healthy mouth while still enjoying yourself.
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Swish and rinse.
Long festive parties with lots of food and drinks mean long times of separation between you and your toothbrush. At the very least, swish your mouth with water after eating to prevent food from getting stuck in your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay.
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Watch the wine.
Coffee isn't the only beverage that stains your teeth: red wine also has high tannin levels that can lead to yellowing. Discolored teeth are the main reason (64%) people say they're unhappy with their teeth (which 48% of the entire population are). Opt for clear-colored drinks instead, or better yet, just stick to water.
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Relax!
The holidays are also a time of stress for many people, which can lead to nail biting, teeth grinding, or other habits that are bad for your oral health. Make sure you allocate enough time for rest and relaxation between your social events.
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Visit your family dentist.
Now is a great time to get your teeth cleaned and checked for your biannual appointment. You'll feel confident in your smile knowing that your teeth are in top health.
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Carry sugarless gum.
When you're out and about, you can actually help prevent gum disease and gingivitis by chewing ADA-approved sugarless gum after meals. The chewing helps generate saliva that will clean your teeth, so try some for about 20 minutes after meals.
You can still let loose for the holidays without letting your oral health ride off the rails. Stay smart about what you eat and how you clean your teeth, and your smile will see you through the holidays and have you ringing in the New Year in the most glamorous way.