Healthy Teeth Tips for the Holidays

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Healthy Teeth Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and that means plenty of merriment and an abundance of sweet treats and sparkly drinks. While it’s important to relax, have fun, and soak in the quality time spent with friends and family at this time of year, it’s also smart not to neglect the health of your teeth and gums. Consider the following tips to make sure all of you enjoys celebrating the spirit of the season.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy Over the Holidays

1. White Is Better Than Red

While both white and red wine contain sugars and acids that can be tough on your tooth enamel, white wine won’t stain your teeth the way red wine can. If you’re concerned about keeping your smile bright, then we recommend sticking to lighter colored beverages in general.

2. Indulge in the Cheese Tray

To combat the enamel-eating acids inside your holiday beverages, feel free to snack on the requisite cheese tray. Cheese is alkaline which helps neutralize the acid in your drinks. Plus, it contains enzymes that can help protect your teeth.
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3. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying properly hydrated is good for your body and also helps promote adequate saliva production. This will help wash sugar and acid away from the surface of your teeth and remineralize the enamel.

4. Try to Limit the Sweets

We know it just doesn’t seem like the holidays without a little pie, a few cookies, and some holiday candy, but all of the extra sugar can wreak havoc on your waistline and on your teeth and gums.
Limit your total intake and avoid hard candies, like candy canes, that not only put your teeth at risk of chipping but that also keep the sugar level inside your mouth higher for longer.

5. Don't Neglect Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Whether you’re busier than ever or trying to relax during the holidays, continue brushing and flossing twice a day.

Schedule a Post-Party Dental Checkup With Our Kenmore Dentist

One of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums in good shape following the deluge of sugar and treats consumed during the festive season is to schedule a professional dental cleaning and checkup at Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry.
A thorough professional cleaning will keep your teeth and gums healthy while an exam will ensure any new signs of tooth decay are caught and treated early.
To learn more or schedule your post-holiday checkup, we welcome you to contact us today.

Avoid These 5 Foods and Beverages to Protect Your Gums

Avoid These 5 Foods and Beverages to Protect Your Gums

When you think about eating to promote good oral health, you are likely focused on preventing cavities and tooth decay. At risk of developing periodontal disease (a bacterial infection) your gums and their health can be just as strongly affected by the foods and drinks you consume as your teeth are.
To promote healthy gums and help prevent periodontal disease, try to avoid the following foods and drinks.

5 Foods and Drinks to Avoid for Better Gum Health

If you do consume any of the following foods and drinks, be sure to limit the time you’re snacking or drinking and rinse your mouth out with water.

1. Soda and Sports Drinks

These beverages are bad for your teeth and for your gums. Both are acidic which can irritate the gums, causing inflammation. They’re also both highly sugary, and this high sugar content feeds the bacteria that are responsible for gum disease.

2. Starchy Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates that become sticky when chewed (potato chips, bread, pasta, and crackers) should also be avoided. The starchy carbs easily stick on the teeth, along the gum line, and between your teeth, feeding the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease.

3. Popcorn

The husks consumed with popcorn kernels pose a threat to gum health by sometimes poking or cutting the gums and also by easily getting lodged in and stuck between the gums and teeth. This not only creates space for periodontal disease to develop but can also cause serious gum infections and abscesses.
If you get a popcorn husk stuck in your gums and can’t get it out on your own, make a dental appointment right away.

4. Coffee

Coffee’s high acidity and tendency to dry out the mouth pack a double punch to your gum health. The acid irritates the delicate tissues causing inflammation, and a dry mouth means you produce less saliva to wash away the acid while remineralizing your tooth enamel.

5. Alcohol

Like coffee, alcohol is highly acidic and dries out the mouth. It also contains sugar which feeds the harmful bacteria living along the gum line.

Don't Forget Your Regular Dental Cleanings and Checkups!

In addition to caring for your teeth and gums at home with good oral hygiene and avoiding high-risk foods, you should also be visiting the dentist at least once every six months for a preventative cleaning and dental checkup.
To schedule your next dental exam, we welcome you to contact Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry today.