Did you know that an estimated 27% of American adults have undiagnosed cavities? Unfortunately, all the indulging in holiday goodies around this time of year doesn’t help! But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself and still maintain a healthy smile at the same time. After all, no one wants to spend their holiday in the dental chair. Keep reading for 5 easy things you can do to get through the holiday season – without needing dental work from a dentist in Lincoln!
1. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Since you can’t always brush and floss right after a meal or snack, it’s a good idea to keep some sugar-free gum on hand. By increasing salivary flow, it counteracts the acids that cause cavities and also washes away plaque and residual sugars.
2. Don’t Forget To Pack Your Oral Hygiene Supplies
Many people travel during the holidays, which can throw a wrench in your oral hygiene routine. And since many people use their toothbrush and floss on the day of travel, it’s easy to forget to pack them entirely!
To avoid this, you can always leave your usual hygiene supplies at home and pack travel sizes of your favorite products, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a fluoride mouthwash to prevent cavities.
Also, pack some low-sugar snacks like string cheese, nuts and beef jerky for long drives or flights.
3. Brush and Floss Consistently
Between all the cookies, desserts and eggnog that’s around, it’s easy to consume more sugar than usual. That’s why it’s particularly important to do well with brushing and flossing.
Brush for 2 minutes twice a day and floss once. Don’t hesitate to ask a dentist or hygienist for help with your technique to make sure you’re being effective.
4. Say No To Snacking
There’s no question that the amount of sugar you consume is a risk factor for tooth decay, but did you know that how frequently you consume it also makes a difference?
Since it’s so easy to graze throughout the day (especially when there are so many delicious things around), remember the phrase, “Sip all day, get decay.” This will remind you to consume sweet foods and beverages in one sitting rather than grazing on them.
5. Schedule a Checkup
Scheduling a checkup and cleaning is important during the holidays for multiple reasons. First, it’s a chance for everyone in the family to make sure they don’t have any undiagnosed cavities and help prevent any existing issues from getting bigger.
You’ll also get a professional cleaning and polish and can ask for a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth.
With these 5 tips, you’ll be on your way to having a holiday season full of (healthy) smiles!
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is a dentist in Lincoln who knows it’s easier to prevent dental problems than treat them. That’s why he always educates his patients on the best ways to stay cavity-free, especially at this time of year, to help them have a happy and healthy holiday season. If you have any other questions about your oral health, he can be reached via his website or at (402) 488-2325.