Christmas trees are decorated, wreaths are hung, and traditional favorites are playing across the Southern Tier. All of this holiday spirit has inspired us. Rather than singing you the 12 Days of Christmas, we thought would share the 12 Tips for a Christmas Smile. Check out the tips below to keep your teeth healthy this holiday season and as white as the snowflakes in the sky. Just because you’re on a break from normal work routines, doesn’t mean your teeth get a break from good oral health practices.
- Brush Twice Daily- Its best to brush after every meal to keep your teeth healthy. At minimum, make sure to brush every morning and night for at least two minutes.
- Read the Toothpaste Label- Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and prevents tooth decay.
- Floss Nightly- Make sure to keep floss handy for after-dinner. Flossing gets extra food particles out of your teeth that brushing alone might miss. Unfortunately, left long-term lodged between your teeth and the area can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Use Mouthwash- This activity is another safeguard for the food left in hard to reach areas of your teeth that your toothbrush may miss. Plus, it’s easy to carry a small bottle no matter where holiday events may take you!
- Don’t Forget your Tongue– Using a tongue scraper can help to remove bad breath caused by bacteria and food debris that can sit on your tongue.
- Make a Change Every Three Months- No matter what type of toothbrush you use, its bristles can become frayed and worn and may lose their effectiveness. Clinical research shows that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque from your teeth than one that’s worn out.
- Avoid the Sticky Stuff – There are a lot of foods on the holiday table that can damage the enamel on your teeth without you realizing it. Some of the worst include:
• Pie – We all love pie, but it is packed with sugar that can lead to tooth decay. Not to mention the ice cream or whipped cream that often tops of that piece of pie.
• Caramel Popcorn – Another snack loaded with sugar. In addition, this common holiday gift sticks to your teeth eating away at the enamel if not removed quickly. - Eat the Good Stuff – Not all holiday foods are bad for your teeth! Load up your plate with these foods to strengthen your teeth this Christmas season.
• Turkey – Surprising to most, turkey is high vitamin D and calcium. Combined with the proteins also found in turkey, your teeth and bones get a boost in strength thanks to the holiday main course.
• Dairy – It is common knowledge that dairy is a good source of calcium. A lesser known fact is that it is also low in acid and sugar which your teeth will appreciate after all those sweets and acidic beverages. - Avoid Smoking- It reduces the flow of saliva, and the ability to combat bacteria in the mouth. Furthermore, smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease.
- Limit Coffee, Tea and Red Wine- Known for staining, these beverages much like smoking, can build up a superficial stain on your teeth that your dentist can often polish off. Drinking through a straw can help reduce the stain on your teeth, as can rinsing your mouth frequently with water.
- Drink Plenty of Water- Water is the healthiest drink for your smile. It helps wash out teeth and discourages tooth decay. Tap water specifically is beneficial, as it has the recommended dosage of fluoride.
- Visit Dental Solutions of Binghamton- Visit at least twice a year for professional cleanings of your teeth and to prevent the advancement of oral diseases. Your smile could count on it.
Enjoy this season of smiles. If you are too embarrassed to share yours and avoid smiling at holiday parties or in the family Christmas card, call Dental Solutions of Binghamton so that you can confidently enjoy next year’s holiday traditions. Dr. Sambursky and the team at Dental Solutions of Binghamton have been revitalizing and restoring smiles, via cosmetic dentistry and other procedures, since 1992. Whether its tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dentures, dental implants, full mouth reconstruction or other cosmetic dentistry, Dental Solutions of Binghamton can help bring back your confident smile. Call 607.798.0789 to schedule your consultation for restoring and revitalizing your smile.