Tooth decay is a common occurrence among children and adults, especially during the holidays. When tables are filled with far more sugars and starches than any other time of year, cavities can easily form. The good news is that with the right tools and tips, individuals can continue to enjoy the festivities while also ensuring optimal holiday oral health.
Why Too Much Sugar and Starch is Bad for Teeth
When eating food that contains high amounts of sugar or starch, a person’s teeth and gums become vulnerable. Bad oral bacteria enjoy feeding on these ingredients, creating plaque and harmful acids inside the mouth. As a result, teeth become susceptible to an attack, with the enamel breaking down over time. But teeth are not the only victims. Gums, too, can become inflamed and begin to bleed if left untreated.
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are essential when consuming anything that contains sugar or starch. With good oral hygiene habits, smiles can remain decay- and damage-free for longer. But without proper care and maintenance, patients can suffer from extensive pain, increased swelling, bleeding, and worsening overall health if bacteria are allowed to enter the bloodstream.
Tips to Guarantee a Healthy Smile
Although it may be tempting to devour the pumpkin pie or blackberry cobbler on the table, it’s best to think about moderation and ways to take proper care of one’s smile. The following three tips can help a person start the process:
- When filling a plate, add protein and vegetables so that they cover most of the available space. Limit the number of scoops of mashed potatoes and candied yams.
- Instead of reaching for the bottle of wine, ask for a glass of water. By staying hydrated and allowing the water to keep salivary glands working adequately, unhealthy bacteria are less likely to remain on tooth enamel and cause cavities to form.
- Remember to brush, to floss, and to rinse before going to bed. It is best to clean teeth after completing a meal, but if one must wait until later in the evening, make sure to stick to a good oral hygiene routine to keep teeth healthy day after day.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean missing out on delicious once-a-year foods. When remembering to take care of teeth and gums the right way, individuals can enjoy the holidays while also being mindful of their smiles.
About Grand Dental – Naperville
At Grand Dental – Naperville, we are staffed with experts who take pride in taking care of smiles of all types. While we do offer restorative and emergency care to individuals in need, we promote preventive services to minimize the potential for future oral health problems. If patients come to see us for help with navigating the holidays, we are happy to share helpful tips that are designed to minimize cavities while also allowing for a more enjoyable time with family and friends. Visit our website or call us at (630) 576-9970 to learn how we can help.