Christmas is just around the corner, and for many of us that means parties and family gatherings, which involve a lot of indulgent treats and rich food. We all deserve to treat ourselves once in a while and like we know tasty snacks are fine if enjoyed in moderation. But while many people worry about putting on weight over the Christmas season, we urge you to not forget about your teeth.
We at Glandwr Dental Practice have put together some things you can do to look after your oral health this Christmas:
Moderation is key
During the Christmas season, there are many sweet treats to enjoy. Although they taste great, these treats are usually very high in sugar. But it doesn’t mean you should completely restrict what you eat and drink, since the main issue is not the amount of sugar, but how often you consume sweet and acidic snacks. Minimize the number of times you snack throughout the day as this creates a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
This is also the same with alcohol. Minimising your alcohol intake is good for your teeth and your overall health. Although enjoying a festive drink or two is fine, keeping your alcohol consumption under control will help to keep your teeth protected and strong.
Brush after sticky food
A lot of Christmas treats are high in sugar that can stick to your teeth. Sweets and sticky toffees are constant threats to your teeth when you eat them frequently. Therefore, it is important to pay extra attention when brushing your teeth over the festive season. No matter how excited your children are about Santa coming, make sure they brush their teeth carefully after eating sticky food, especially before bedtime.
Enjoy a cheese board
Did you know that cheese helps protect teeth from decay by neutralising plaque acid? The chemical compounds released by cheese can also form a protective layer on your teeth that guards them against acids attacking your teeth enamel. So make sure to save some room after your Christmas meal and enjoy a cheese board.
Stick to your oral health routine
It can be easy to get distracted and forget about your dental routine over the Christmas season. Always remember to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Flossing can also help to remove any sticky plaque from in between your teeth so do that at least once a day.
Resolve to see your dentist in the New Year
Consider booking an appointment with a dentist or hygienist this year if you haven’t seen them in a while. It is our wish that all our patients can enjoy all the festivities that Christmas has to offer, but make sure to enjoy it all moderately and brush your teeth afterwards.
To schedule an appointment with us contact our team at Glandwr. We will do our best to assist you.
