With the holiday season fast approaching, you are probably thinking about gifts, upcoming trips, recipe ideas, and what do with the kids. But are you thinking about how to keep your teeth protected during the get-togethers and holiday feasts? If the answer is no, keep reading; we’ve outlined four tips from a family dentist for maintaining your healthy and vibrant smile this holiday season.
Planning for a busy holiday schedule? Give yourself a gift before your holiday plans begin, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges of Chisolm Trail Smile Center. Dr. Bridges can ensure you head into the season confident about your oral health. Call his office now at 580-255-4880.
Chew Extra Carefully
So many delicious recipes are tried out around the holidays, and you’ll probably want to taste a bit of everything. Before you dig in, be cautious of biting down on hard fragments like nut shells or pieces of bone. One wrong bite could mean a fractured tooth and emergency visit to your family dentist. Cut your food carefully and slow down when chewing. Taking your time to eat will not only protect your teeth, but it will help you recognize when you’re full and save you from over-indulging.
Keep a Glass of Water Handy
A glass of wine can be a great complement to your meal, but it can also damage your teeth. The high acidity in wine will encourage bacteria to attack your teeth’s protective enamel. To minimize this risk — and stay hydrated after eating high-sodium meals — drink water directly after enjoying your glass of wine. The water will help clean out your mouth and dilute the harmful acidity levels caused by wine or other alcoholic or sugary beverages. In the same way, drinking water after eating holiday sweets will minimize the corrosive impact sugar has on your teeth. So, remember to drink up!
Be Selective at the Dessert Table
When you’re craving something sweet, be choosy. Select the treats you’ll enjoy most and those you don’t see during the rest of the year. Savoring just one or two small desserts, you will do your teeth a big favor by reducing your sugar intake. Eating sugary foods encourages bacteria growth in your mouth and can lead to more plaque buildup, which causes both tooth decay and gingivitis. Plus, by limiting sweets, you’ll avoid the dreaded symptoms of a “sugar hangover” the next day: fatigue, headache, brain fog, and more. (Maybe you won’t pack on the holiday pounds, too!)
Get Ready for Your Close-up
The holiday season presents lots of photo opportunities. If you want to look your best this year, brighten your smile. Consider professional teeth whitening! Dr. Bridges, your Duncan family dentist, offers cosmetic dentistry as well. Choose from in-office or take-home whitening options, both of which offer fast results – just in time for holiday parties. Professional whitening is safe and effective, and the products we use have been approved by the American Dental Association.
Contact Us Before the Holiday Rush Begins
If you’re looking for a family dentist in the Duncan, OK area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges. Offering preventative, restorative, and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Bridges and the staff at Chisolm Trail Smile Center will make your comfort a top priority, and spend time discussing the best options for your oral health. Call Chisolm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880.
