Christmas is the most wonderful time of year for most of us, but when it comes to your dental health, there are risks. During the festive period, we tend to relax our diets and indulge on all kinds of traditional treats. This Christmas, spare a thought for your teeth and gums, and give them the healthiest Christmas yet. All you need to do is bear these simple tips in mind:
Book a routine check-up: if you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 6-12 months, now is an ideal tie to make an appointment before Christmas. Nobody wants to spend the festive period missing out on the fun because they’ve got toothache. When you see your dentist, they will carry out a series of checks to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. If there are problems, they can be treated. If you have signs of decay and gum disease, for example, leaving them can result in serious damage.
Avoid snacking: it’s tempting to graze all day at Christmas time when there are bowls of nuts and crisps scattered around, and family-size tubs of chocolate on offer. Snacking doesn’t just ruin main meals. It also increases your risk of dental disease. When you eat, bacteria release acids that attack your enamel, making it soft. It takes time for the enamel to reharden. If you’re snacking, this means that your enamel never has chance to recover, and there’s a real risk of cavities forming. Try and stick to eating at mealtimes.
Eat in moderation: it’s understandable to go a bit crazy at Christmas time, but try and moderate your intake of sugary foods and drinks. There are plenty of savoury delights that you can enjoy instead. One simple way of reducing your sugar intake is to swap fizzy drinks for sugar-free versions. Fizzy drinks are acidic, so if you are drinking diet versions, use a straw, and drink a glass of water or milk afterwards.
Keep up with your normal oral hygiene regime: at Christmas time, we tend to go into holiday mode and slack off a little. It’s fine to enjoy a lie-in, but don’t relax your oral hygiene regime. It’s essential to clean your teeth twice a day every day for at least two minutes each time.
