Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
The holidays mean gatherings with friends, family, or co-workers. You may run into old family members or friends that you haven’t seen in years, and it’s natural to want to look your best. Or maybe you want to make a great first impression while meeting company executives at your office holiday party. One way to do that is to have a healthy, bright smile. Cosmetic dentistry can help anyone achieve the smile of their dreams, but there are a few other things that you can do to ensure you have a sparkling smile for the holidays.
Limit junk food and cocktails
This time of year, from Halloween until New Year’s Eve, most of us are faced with many types of treats, sweets, and cocktails. While it’s ok to indulge every so often, don’t make it a habit. Not only does overeating junk food or consuming alcohol too frequently affect your waistline but also your teeth. Sugar-loaded foods like crackers, chips, sweets, and cocktails fuel oral bacteria responsible for causing cavities and gum disease. The best way to protect your teeth while enjoying the occasional holiday treat is to pair your treat or cocktail with a meal to help rinse away bacteria and residual sugars in your mouth. Also, drink plenty of water along with your treat.
Eat healthy foods
Healthier foods are always better for you. Consuming lean meats, fruits, and vegetables helps you maintain a healthy weight, provides overall health benefits and is better for your teeth. Crisp carrots, celery, and apples actually help scrub away bacteria and plaque buildup from your teeth, which makes these options an excellent choice to munch on at a holiday party. Pair your healthy options with some cheese or unsalted nuts to add some protein if you need it.
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health but also provides benefits to your teeth as well. Sip water, instead of sweetened beverages or cocktails, between meals to reduce your risk of cavities and stains on your enamel. If you decide to enjoy wine or cocktails, be sure to sip water to rinse away residual sugar or staining residue.
Chew sugar-free gum
A quick and easy way to freshen your breath and do a little good for your teeth is to chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol, which is proven to reduce your risk of cavities. Avoid sugary bubble gum, as this only bathes your teeth in sugar and defeats the purpose of reducing cavities.
Naturally boost serotonin
Serotonin is responsible for producing energy for the body. Ways to naturally boost serotonin are to eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly. This time of year, it’s easy to slack on those essential things. Therefore, set daily goals for yourself to eat mostly healthy as often as possible, maintain a consistent sleep schedule even on weekends, and get some exercise by taking short walks on your lunch break or other convenient times during your day.
Other ways to get a sparkling smile
If you’re still unhappy with the look of your smile, consider cosmetic dentistry in Greeneville. Options like cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers hide imperfections like small tooth fractures, gaps between your teeth, slightly crooked or twisted teeth when you don’t want to undergo orthodontics. Sometimes, a professional teeth whitening treatment is enough to produce a bright, white smile. If you’d like to explore your options or learn more, contact a cosmetic dentist near you in Greeneville by calling Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575.