Dental Health in the Holidays

Another holiday is right around the corner, but keep in mind your dental health! With every holiday, comes to the sweet temptation of indulging (or maybe overindulging) in sweets. They’re practically everywhere: at home, in the office, spread out at holiday parties, and pretty much anywhere else you can think of. We all know that sugar harms your teeth, but how can you resist such tasty treats?

You don’t need to cut out your sugar intake completely throughout the holidays. All you need to do is try to reduce your exposure to those sugary sweets (as much as you can, at least). Here are a few tips to keep your dental health intact and avoid some sticky sweets:

Avoid those chewy, sticky candies that overstay their welcome: The more time sugar spends in your mouth, the more time it has to break down into acids that can do serious harm to your teeth and cause cavities.

Try taking smaller bites: Don’t reach for those king-size bars. Instead, stick to the bite-sized candy. It’s still sugar, but at least it’s less sugar.

Brush and floss regularly: These are the standard tips that you’ll hear from your Houston dentist. Brushing, flossing, and drinking water will keep bacteria from growing in your mouth.

Try sugar-free candy: You might not be able to avoid sugar outside of your own home, but while you’re there, you can try sticking with treats that use sweeteners like xylitol instead of sugar.

Your dental health and overall health will both benefit if you keep track of what you eat. It’s not always easy, especially if you’re out of town, but don’t be afraid to duck into the bathroom for a quick brush or rinse if you need to. A few minutes of cleaning here and there will do wonders for your dental health!

Still have questions? Feel free to contact Cosmetic Dentists of Houston! We’re always here to help – just call us at 713.960.4224!