It’s that time of year again! The holidays are filled with parties, indulgence, and cheer – all things that can be great for your spirits but not so wonderful for your oral health. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the season without ending up on Santa’s Naughty List. Your Colorado dental office offers some easy-to-follow tips for maintaining your healthy smile this Christmas.
At Metropolitan Dental Care, we are passionate about helping our patients enjoy healthy smiles for life. From patient education to preventive cleanings, bad breath treatment to dental implants, we are ready to provide the outstanding care you deserve.
Contact our Denver, CO, office today to learn more about oral health or to schedule your appointment.
Choose Your Foods Wisely
Gingerbread. Eggnog. Candy canes. The most iconic Christmas foods are all sugar-laden. And as we all know, sugar is a major cause of tooth decay. But having a healthy smile doesn’t mean you have to forgo all the treats. Choose a few of your favorites to enjoy in moderation, and be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Fortunately, not all holiday foods are bad for your teeth. Whether at an office party or a family Christmas dinner, add a few of these foods to your plate to combat bacteria and improve your oral health:
- Cheese
- A spinach salad
- Salmon, turkey, or other lean protein
- Veggies with yogurt dip
- Nuts
Craving something minty? Sugar-free gum can fill that yearning for peppermint without increasing your risk for cavities. In fact, clinical studies show that chewing sugar-free gum 20 minutes after eating can significantly reduce tooth decay.
Drink Plenty of Water
Another way to minimize the effects of Christmas treats and candy is to drink water during and after eating. Water helps to flush out lingering bits of food, sugar, and acid that can cause dental caries.
Of course, many holiday meals include a glass of wine. You can still enjoy wine in moderation, but be aware that red wine is a significant cause of tooth discoloration. Even white wine is fairly acidic, which can contribute to enamel erosion. Fortunately, drinking water along with your wine will not only keep you level-headed; it can also help to counteract the effects of acid and dark pigmentation.
Set Some Tooth-Healthy New Year’s Resolutions
Even as we indulge during the month of December, we are often thinking about what we can do to improve our health and quality of life when January comes. Make your smile a priority in 2023 by setting some oral health resolutions. Hopefully, you are already brushing and flossing daily. But, if not, make this your number one goal!
And if you haven’t been to the dentist recently, schedule an appointment at your Colorado dental office. Biannual exams and cleanings are one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, your dentist can detect any problems early on, helping you avoid extensive dental damage and major treatment.
Contact Your Colorado Dental Office Today
For more tips on caring for your teeth or to schedule an appointment, contact Metropolitan Dental Care.
Make an appointment online or call 303-534-2626 to reach our Denver office.
