Holiday Healthy Teeth Tips

Its not easy to stay healthy during the holidays!  Many of us are so busy wrapping gifts and cooking sweet treats that we can forget about taking care of ourselves and our teeth!  Here are a few simple tips to help  you and your family to keep your teeth, gums and body healthy!

1.  Keep your regular twice a day routine

    With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to get off track when it comes to daily         dental hygiene.  Remember to brush at least twice daily and use dental floss too.  This is even more      important if you are indulging in some delicious holiday treats.  
      Extra tip: Keep a toothbrush and floss in your purse or in your car so that you can clean your                                pearly whites while you are out and about. 

2.  Use a nutcracker

      Nuts are often consumed as a traditional holiday treat every winter season.  While walnuts,                     almonds, pecans, and chestnuts are a healthy alternative to more sugary treats, you should not test         the strength of you teeth when shelling them!  Use appropriate nutcrackers to avoid an emergency         visit to the dentist.  The symptoms of a cracked tooth can vary, but erratic pain and extreme                     sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures are common ones.  If you suspect a cracked tooth, see your         dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Avoid this danger by NOT using your teeth as         tools!

3.  Have Fruit on Hand

      With delicious sweet treats lurking around every corner, there is no avoiding them during the                 holidays.  Fruit can help to satisfy a craving for something sweet in a healthier way.  Fruit typically         has enough fiber to also make you feel more full and avoid over indulging. 
     Extra tip:  Veggies with humus or a healthy dip are a healthier alternative to sweets too

4.  Drink Plenty of Water Daily

     Water has many benefits, especially during the holiday season when you are out and about more than       ever.  Water helps you to stay hydrated and rinses away newly formed bacteria with every sip.              Water also helps with digestion and is a calorie free alternative to other less healthy beverages. 
      Extra tip:  Bring a refillable water bottle with you and take advantage of refilling it whenever                                 possible

5.  Stay on schedule with your dental checkups

     The best type of dental care is preventative care, it is less expensive and can be conveniently scheduled.  This is also the perfect time to make an appointment regarding any concerns you may have about your teeth, gums, throat, cheeks and tongue.  Get checked out before hitting the road so your dentist can resolve any issues that may cause your holiday trip to be less than merry.  A thorough exam will let your dentist determine if you need treatment for any underlying conditions and address any concerns about your oral health. 

Follow these five tips and your smile will remain merry and bright throughout the season.  Your holiday portraits and selfies with family and friends will look better than ever, and your oral health will be in great shape heading into the new year

Dr Rhonda Krause at Loveland Family Dentistry is happy to help you with your dental needs and answer any questions about your dental health.  Give us a call at 970-667-6101 to get an appointment scheduled today! 

      

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