The time of the year that everyone looks forward to. While perfect for relaxing and socialising, Christmas food and drink is not so kind on the teeth.
Unfortunately for us, the delicious foods associated with Christmas such as mince pies (don’t forget the brandy sauces), gingerbread men, Christmas puddings and of course advent calendars are all extremely high in sugar.
While you may think excess can be forgiven at Christmas, the high amount of sugar can be very detrimental to your teeth. Resulting in plaque and cavities that could ultimately lead to fillings and even the need for dental implants the following year.
While many will start Christmas with the best intentions of limiting their sugar intake and watching what they eat, you could be forgiven for indulging a bit too much.
With this in mind, Face Dental have put together some tips for looking after your teeth over the festive period.
Brush your teeth
While this one is quite self explanatory and something you should be doing all year round, the importance of brushing your teeth when eating high amounts of sugar is paramount. In the morning and before bed, regardless of your age you should thoroughly brush your teeth to keep plaque under control and reduce the risk of cavities.
While this one is quite self explanatory and something you should be doing all year round, the importance of brushing your teeth when eating high amounts of sugar is paramount. In the morning and before bed, regardless of your age you should thoroughly brush your teeth to keep plaque under control and reduce the risk of cavities.
Dental floss
Cleaning between the teeth helps improve your overall oral hygiene. This can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Cleaning between your teeth helps remove a sticky film called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that feeds on leftover food or sugar in your mouth. When this occurs, it releases an acid that can eat away at the outer shell of your teeth and cause cavities. Regular flossing can help reduce this.
Drinking straws
Drinking through a straw is generally better for your dental health. Drinking straight from a glass or cup may result in an increased risk of sugar damage and teeth staining. By using a straw less of your beverage comes in contact with your teeth. This is also a great way to reduce the risk of damage to children’s teeth. If possible try to keep fizzy and high sugar drinks to a minimum.
Drinking through a straw is generally better for your dental health. Drinking straight from a glass or cup may result in an increased risk of sugar damage and teeth staining. By using a straw less of your beverage comes in contact with your teeth. This is also a great way to reduce the risk of damage to children’s teeth. If possible try to keep fizzy and high sugar drinks to a minimum.
Healthier food choices
Easier said than done. But why not replace Christmas chocolates with healthy alternatives such as Christmas carrots sticks. If this isn’t an achievable goal, then try just limiting your chocolate intake to what’s in your advent calendar (don’t eat them all in one day).
Easier said than done. But why not replace Christmas chocolates with healthy alternatives such as Christmas carrots sticks. If this isn’t an achievable goal, then try just limiting your chocolate intake to what’s in your advent calendar (don’t eat them all in one day).
Regular check ups
Not exclusive to Christmas but a priority all year round. Regular dental check ups can help improve your overall oral and dental hygiene. Spotting potential fillings before they occur can save you both pain and money.
Not exclusive to Christmas but a priority all year round. Regular dental check ups can help improve your overall oral and dental hygiene. Spotting potential fillings before they occur can save you both pain and money.