Taking Care of Your Teeth This Holiday Season

The holidays can get extremely busy, and it’s easy to let the little things slide. Don’t let your dental hygiene routine be one of them! With all the treats (and photos!) of the holiday season, it is more important than ever to keep your smile bright.

Remember that though there is room in your holiday diet for some sweet treats, all sticky, sugary, or acidic foods should be eaten in moderation. When you do choose to eat these types of food, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water after eating. Never graze on sugary or acidic snacks–have a treat, then stop. Grazing, or eating them throughout the day, increase the amount of time the sugars and acids are in contact with your teeth. Chew a piece of sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating to stimulate saliva flow, which cleans your teeth.

Brush and floss your teeth every day. This only takes a total of 6-7 minutes a day, and it can save a lot of money, time, and even potentially pain or infection. Remember: brush your teeth twice a day. This should take two minutes each session. Floss your teeth once a day, for 2-3 minutes each time. Use proper tools for maximum effectiveness: a soft-bristled toothbrush, single-filament floss, and a therapeutic mouthwash.

For more information, or to schedule your pre-holiday dental appointment, contact Family Dentistry at our office in Newburgh, Indiana. We can be reached at 812-853-3313. Dr. Samuel Schmitz will be happy to help you this holiday season!