It is definitely the most wonderful time of the year for anyone with a sweet tooth. Many people have already stocked up and are looking forward to a little overindulgence. During the festivities, your mind may not be on your dental health, but follow our easy tips and protect your smile while still making the most of the festive season.
Eat Your Sweet Treats in One Sitting
When spending time at home, it’s very easy to graze continuously, but this constantly exposes your teeth to sugar, increasing your tooth decay risk in Newcastle. Instead, it’s far better to plan to eat your sweet treats in one go and preferably as part of a main meal. People often think it’s the amount of sugar you eat, but it’s how frequently you eat it that is more of an issue. When you finish your main meal with something sweet, your mouth is already more acidic, and it takes between half an hour to an hour afterwards for acidity levels to decline. At this point, it’s best to brush your teeth because your tooth enamel re-hardens as the pH of your mouth normalizes. Completing your meal with cheese is even better for your teeth, especially as cheese contains plenty of calcium, phosphorus and protein.
Don’t Use Teeth as Tools
Just about everybody has been guilty of this is at some time, as the temptation to tear tape with your teeth when wrapping your last-minute presents is hard to resist. However, using your teeth as tools is an easy way to weaken them and potentially crack or chip them, and it can dislodge any crowns or veneers in Clarington.
It’s especially bad if you have a habit of trying to crack nuts with your teeth. Nutshells are incredibly hard and can easily crack a tooth. It’s the same story for people who try to open bottles with their teeth, a habit that can cause serious damage. It’s well worth spending the extra few seconds to fetch the right tools rather than having a lengthy appointment in the dental chair.
Be Wary of Taffy and Other Sticky Treats
Very sticky foods like taffy can easily pull out any loose fillings or other dental restorations like crowns or veneers. It can also be incredibly difficult to remove sticky foods, no matter how thoroughly you brush and floss. Instead of sticky treats, opt for chocolate that melts quickly, reducing the potential for damage to your teeth.
Rinse after Bubbles
If you like to celebrate the season with a glass or two of bubbles, follow your drink with a glass of water. Sparkling wines can be very acidic, eroding your tooth enamel. Drinking a glass of water in between each glass of bubbly will help protect your teeth and limit the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
Leave Ice Cubes in the Glass
Do you have a habit of chewing on ice cubes? Please try to resist as ice can be pretty hard and may easily damage your tooth enamel or chip or break your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, the cold can worsen dental pain.
Remove Turkey Trapped between Your Teeth Safely
Having something stuck between your teeth is incredibly irritating, but make sure you use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove it. Using anything else could damage your teeth and gums. If an object is particularly resistant, try swishing your mouth with warm water to soften it first. If all else fails, contact our Courtice dentist for advice, especially if you start to feel pain.
Finally, remember to brush and floss daily and don’t forget to schedule your next checkups and cleans with West Bowmanville Family Dental.