The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends. But it’s important to us at your Reno family dentist that you protect your teeth and gums during the busy holiday season.
At DiGrazia Dental, we know that many of our patients develop problems with their teeth during the holidays. It is possible to prevent these problems by following certain habits. Here are some tips to help with keeping your teeth healthy during the holiday season.
Buy a New Toothbrush Before the Holidays
Did you know you’re supposed to replace your toothbrush every 3 months? Having a proper toothbrush helps with fighting off plaque in those hard to reach places. Even better, toothbrushes are great stocking stuffers! Add them into your kids stockings this year.
Carry Dental Floss With You
You know that saying “out of sight out of mind?” Well if your dental floss is out of sight, then you’re not going to be giving yourself those additional reminders to floss your teeth. Keep some in your vehicle and your purse so you can floss on the go. If you’re traveling for the holidays, floss on the go with individual floss pickers!
Enjoy Yourself, but don’t Over-consume Alcohol
It’s the holidays! You’re feeling merry and bright, and maybe even a little more so after a few glasses of wine, but alcohol has a high acidic content. Alcohol is also high in sugar, and beverages such as red wine will stain the dental enamel on your teeth.
Stop Smoking Cigarettes
If you’re a smoker, now is the time to stop smoking! Start your New Year’s Resolution early and throw the cigarettes away. Cigarettes cause a plethora of health problems include oral health problems. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes will stain your teeth, and you will also develop halitosis that is difficult to get rid of with brushing or flossing. In addition, smoking causes inflammation in the soft tissues of your mouth, leading to gum disease. Plus, the holidays are all about spending time with family and friends; if you’re not stepping outside to go smoke, that means you’re spending more time with your family and friends!
We hope these recommendations help you and your family during this holiday season to avoid tooth decay, gingivitis and bad breath.
