How to Keep Your Smile Healthy for the Holidays
The best accessory to complete your look at any holiday party, regardless of outfit and occasion, is a gorgeous, glowing smile. Before it’s time to set those New Year’s resolutions, resolve to take care of your smile. You’ll shine a bit brighter in all those holiday photos and enjoy yourself a little more, because it is definitely more fun when you feel great about yourself.
Find Some Balance
We’re not talking about balancing the work and stress of the holidays here. Rather, we’re talking about the pH balance of your mouth. When you eat, the pH level in your mouth mouth drops, becoming more acidic. This increased acid in your mouth is hard on your tooth enamel, and it can dissolve minerals out of the tooth enamel if the acidic condition lasts too long. Also, the bacteria that cause cavities thrive in acidic conditions and will grow rapidly in the mouth of the frequent snacker.
Unfortunately, holiday parties often are loaded with foods that can be tough on the smile. Sugar, that party staple, can really stress a healthy smile as it causes a quick drop in pH and gives cavity causing bacteria quick food to grow on. Enjoy a cookie, but don’t eat a constant stream of cookies all night. Fruits can be healthy choices, but it’s important to remember that citrus fruits are very acidic. Also, dried fruits have more concentrated sugars, and they tend to stick to your teeth.
Drinks at holiday parties can be tricky to navigate. Soda is generally abundant at parties, but it’s abundantly bad for oral health. Sugar free soda (and even carbonated water) is still hard on the teeth. The acid that makes them fizzy also makes them damaging for your smile. Coffee can do some damage. While it may be tempting to indulge in a few drinks, your smile will thank you if you stick to one drink and avoid sugary mixers.
While you may not be able to slip out to brush and floss during a holiday party, you ca still take some simple steps to improve your post eating condition. Rinsing with plain water can help restore a healthier pH. If you like gum, consider chewing CTx2 Xylitol Gum to not only help restore healthy pH, and it contains tooth supporting xylitol.
Check In with the Pros
Avoiding the dentist is a good way to find a spot on the naughty list. Regular dental checkups keep your smile healthier. If it’s been awhile since you’ve seen the dentist, you may be hesitant to go. But, if you have your heart set on a beautiful, professionally white end smile for the new year, you definitely need a checkup.
Dentists will help you assess your overall oral health and help you develop a plan to treat any gum disease or cavities so that your mouth is in prime condition for whitening. Whitening treatments can be tough on unhealthy teeth, so it’s important to treat any existing problems before going for the dazzlingly white smile you desire. With the right plan, your smile will be as strong as it is beautiful.