Now that the festive season is upon us, it’s time for a little self-indulgence – chocolate treats, mince pies, turkey dinners and a glass of wine to wash it all down. But with all this delicious food around us, it’s important to consider your oral health this Christmas.
At Hale Bowdon Dental Practice, our dental experts ensure your teeth and gums are in the best condition possible, not only for the holidays, but all year round. We want you to kickstart next year with a happy healthy smile, so before you get tempted to take one more bite, here are some handy oral health tips for Christmas.
Be treat-wise
It’s easy to over indulge in a tin of Quality Street or Roses, but the high amount of sugary and acidic we tend to consume over the festive period can have a detrimental affect on your oral health.
Food and drink such as caramels, chocolate, and crisps contain high levels of glucose that bacteria thrive on in your mouth. Even wine and Coca-Cola are harmful in their acidity. All of these can wear away the enamel, leading to tooth decay as well as gum disease if you do not maintain a regular oral hygiene routine.
Instead, we advise to put a limit on how much you eat (no snacking between mealtimes) and enjoy in bite-size portions. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water will also help to break down any lingering food particles or sugar.
Floss and brush between every meal
This has probably been drilled into us a dozen times, but with all the excitement of Christmas and New Year, plus a wave of delicious food to distract us, your oral health is at risk of being neglected. Throughout the day, aim to brush and floss your teeth not once, not twice, but three times a day (preferably after every meal) to pay extra attention to your teeth and gums.
Book an appointment for the New Year!
Finally, once all the holidays are over, we recommend booking an appointment for a regular dental health check-up to keep your smile healthy and shiny for 2021 and beyond. Our friendly team of dentists and staff are always on hand to help you and your family achieve good oral hygiene, and if you require emergency treatment over the celebrations, call us on 0161 9281212 and we will endeavour to get you an appointment within 24 hours!
So, just remember to give your teeth a little love and care with these oral health tips for Christmas! From all of us at Hale Bowdon dental Practice, we would like to wish our patients a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
