Now that November is here, you have lots of holiday meals and celebrations to look forward to. While we want you to enjoy your favorite holiday dishes, we want you to take care to avoid issues like tooth decay and gum disease. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about ensuring good oral health during the holidays.
The Impact of Sugar and Starch
As we mentioned in our Halloween blog, too much sugar in our diets could weaken outer enamel and lead to cavities. But did you know that starch, a main ingredient of many of our favorite holiday meal options, could also feed bacteria to cause poor oral health? Both of these ingredients can be a meal for bacteria and in the process, leave behind plaque and tartar buildup that weaken enamel and irritates the gums, leaving you vulnerable to cavities, gingivitis and even periodontal disease. But we have a few tips to help safeguard your smile during your holiday celebrations!
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Try to limit selections with lots of sugar and starch, and if you do add them to your plate, drink a glass of water with your meal to help rinse away the particles of sugar and starch. You can also add fresh fruits and vegetables to your plate, such as broccoli, apples, and carrots that can help scrub away trapped particles and plaque as you consume them. When your meal ends, consider excusing yourself to floss and remove trapped particles right away. During the holiday season, be sure you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss every evening, and also avoid tobacco products too!
See Our Team Soon
The year is coming to an end and once the holiday season is in full swing, things may be too hectic to find time to see us. Which is why a checkup and cleaning now is recommended, so if you need treatment, you can receive it before things are too hectic in your schedule, and before the year ends. Not only do you start 2025 with a healthier smile, but you can use your 2024 dental benefits or health savings funds before they expire at the end of the year. If you have any questions about how we protect smiles during the holiday season, if you want to schedule an appointment, then contact our team today to learn more. You deserve a smile that shines, and we want to help!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and a smile that shines. To find out more about our general dental treatments, you can call Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS, at 913-901-8585.
