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The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. With shopping, cooking, and family gatherings, it can be easy to neglect your oral health.

Avoid Sugary Treats

Sweets and treats are common gifts during the holiday season, but not all are healthy for your teeth. Sticky candies and cakes cling to the teeth, promoting tooth decay and cavities. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars in the foods and produce acid as a byproduct which weakens tooth enamel. Brushing soon after consuming sugary treats can help clear food particles from the teeth and prevent bacteria from developing into plaque.

If you do consume sugary treats, brush them after eating them to help remove food debris and reduce the risk of decay and cavities. And remember, moderation is key. It’s fine to indulge in a few holiday goodies, but eat them in moderation, so you don’t harm your smile.

Don’t Skip Your Dental Appointments

Although the holidays are supposed to be a happy time, they can bring on a lot of stress. For many people, this can lead to unhealthy habits like skipping meals or not getting enough sleep. However, it is important to keep up with your regular oral hygiene routine and keep up your dentist appointments during this time as well. Skipping your dental treatments can actually make your holidays more stressful and add extra anxiety to your life. 

Brush and Floss Regularly

During the holiday season, make sure you keep up with your daily oral hygiene rituals, such as brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash to strengthen your teeth against plaque buildup. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy more delicious foods without damaging your teeth and gums.

If you’re attending a holiday party this year or receiving sweets as gifts, don’t stress out too much about overindulging in a sweet treat. Monitor how often you indulge by staying mindful of the amount of time between snacks. Rinse with water after eating sugary foods and drinks to rinse away debris and bacteria that can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Then you can brush your teeth as soon as possible after snacking to help remove food particles from your mouth and prevent tooth decay.

Make sure your children also brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste. Remind them to use a gentle circular motion to clean their teeth and gums and rinse their mouth with water after each meal or snack.

For the best dental care tailored to your unique needs, visit Main Street Dental at 3195 S Main St Ste 225, South Salt Lake, UT 84115, or call (801) 467-2255.