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Good Oral Hygiene During Holiday Season!

Looking after your oral health during Christmas holiday season!

As the holiday season approaching, it is important to see your dentist for a regular dental check-up clean and follow good oral hygiene daily during Christmas holiday season.

Taking care of your teeth during the Christmas holiday break can be a bit trickier with all the festive treats and changes in daily routine. However, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Our team at Heritage Dental Group always encourages patients to book their preventative dental check-up and clean appointment regularly.

looking after your health during holidays

Here are some tips from our dental team at Heritage Dental Group to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy over the holidays:

Brush and Floss Regularly

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles. Make sure to brush with soft toothbrush for at least two minutes, reaching all surfaces of your teeth, including the back ones.
  • Floss daily to remove food and plaque stuck between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Consider using an electric toothbrush for more efficient cleaning.

Watch Your Diet

  • Limit sugary treats: Christmas comes with a lot of sweets like chocolates, candies, and cakes. Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque buildup and cavities. Try to enjoy these in moderation and avoid grazing on them throughout the day.
  • Eat tooth-friendly foods: Choose crunchy vegetables (like carrots and celery), cheese, nuts, and other foods that help clean your teeth and promote saliva production, which naturally helps neutralize acids in your mouth.
  • Drink plenty of water: Water helps rinse away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated. After consuming sugary or acidic foods, drinking water can help wash away any residue that could damage your enamel.

Avoid Staining Drinks

  • Holiday drinks like coffee, wine, and cranberry juice can stain your teeth. Try to limit their intake or drink them in moderation.
  • If you do indulge, drink water afterwards to rinse your mouth and minimize the staining effects.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

  • Chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and rinse away food particles.

Use a Mouthguard (if needed)

  • If you participate in any contact sports or activities (like a game of football or basketball), consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from accidental injury.

Limit Snacking Between Meals

  • Frequent snacking can lead to an increase in acid production in your mouth, especially if the snacks are sugary or starchy. If you feel like snacking, choose healthier options like fruits, vegetables, cheese or nuts.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

  • During the holiday season, you might encounter packaging, gift wrapping, or food items that need opening. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open bottles, packages, or crack nuts, as this can cause chips or cracks in your teeth.

Avoid Hard Candies

  • Sucking on hard candies or biting into them can lead to broken teeth. Choose softer treats instead, or at least make sure to enjoy them slowly to avoid sudden pressure on your teeth.

Get a Dental Check-up Before the Holidays

  • Schedule a dental check-up or cleaning with your dentist at Heritage Dental Group before the holiday season. This ensures that your teeth are in top condition going into the holidays, and if you have any issues, they can be addressed early.

Use Mouthwash

  • Consider using a fluoride mouthwash to help protect against cavities and keep your breath fresh. Mouthwash can also reach places that brushing and flossing might miss.

Take Care of Your Gums

  • Don’t forget to take care of your gums as well. Gums are an essential part of your overall oral health, so gently brushing your gums and massaging them with a soft toothbrush can help prevent gum disease.

By following these steps, you can maintain a healthy smile and enjoy the festive season without worrying about dental issues.

Our team at Heritage Dental Group wish you all Happy holidays!

Get in touch with our team at Heritage Dental Group on 07 38783384 for more information.

VISIT US AT: 410 MOGGILL ROAD INDOOROOPILLY, ONSITE PARKING AVAILABLE