Where has the year gone? The holidays are upon us once again. This means more photos, more parties, and more pressing items on your calendar. Here are some tips for keeping your mouth merry and bright for all those holiday photos and parties.
Brush and Floss: First off, remember to brush your teeth! This should happen twice a day, and take about two minutes each time. If you have trouble spending that much time on your teeth, turn on one of your favorite holiday tunes and get in the holiday spirit! The two minutes will fly by before you know it. Brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Additionally, floss once a day, for 2-3 minutes each time.
Eat Well: The holidays don’t change your basic nutritional needs. Remember to fill your diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins! All these foods provide great nutrients that are vital for mouth health. If you cannot have dairy, you are not alone. However, your teeth still need calcium! Be sure to include lots of calcium-rich dairy alternatives, such as beans, dark leafy greens, and fortified orange juice.
Moderate Sweets: As you attend your holiday parties, go ahead and eat some sweets–just be smart about it. Accompany all desserts or sweet dishes with a large glass of water to clean out your mouth. Make sure you aren’t eating sugar consistently–eat a treat or two, then be done for a while. Try chewing a piece of sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating to prepare your teeth for brushing.
For more information, call Pipestone Dental Center in Pipestone, Minnesota, at 507-825-5403. Dr. Mark T. Morgan and our team look forward to helping your smile shine this holiday season!