Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
The holiday season is filled with get-togethers, where the delicious holiday recipes are shared with family and friends. During the festive cheer, there are many foods and beverages that can damage the enamel on your teeth, creating a perfect opportunity for bacteria to begin growing and causing cavities. While we may be busy or overindulge in the festive holiday treats, it’s still imperative to maintain your healthy oral care routine. Below is a list of a few tips that will help you keep a sparkling smile throughout this holiday season.
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Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol has a high level of acidity, which can cause damage to your tooth enamel. When you mix alcohol with juice, it increases the acidic level and the risk of causing even more damage to your teeth. To help combat the acids, it’s recommended that you drink water along with your cocktail. Not only will that minimize the bacteria in your mouth, but it will also slow down your alcohol consumption.
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Cookies, Cakes, and Pie…Oh My!
Along with the holidays comes special holiday treats such as candy, cakes, cookies, pies, baked breads, and so much more! The sugar content of your favorite sweet treat can stick to your teeth, causing an increase in potentially damaging bacteria. Limiting your consumption of sweet treats can help in reducing damage to your tooth enamel. If you just can’t pass up deserts and sweets, Tusculum Dental Care recommends brushing and flossing after you consume them. However, if you are not where you can easily brush and floss, it’s recommended to drink water to rinse away the sugar residue or chew a piece of sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production to remove leftover sugars and reduce your chance of getting a cavity.
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The Hustle and Bustle
The holidays are notorious for having our calendars full of seasonal activities. However, that is no excuse to dismiss good oral hygiene. When you find yourself out and about this holiday season, keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in the glove compartment of your vehicle. That way, you have the tools you need to continue your oral care while “on the go.”
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Eating the Holiday Fare
While celebrating the holidays, we have the tendency to eat until we’re stuffed like Thanksgiving turkey. From tomato-based pasta dishes, fresh fruit baskets, to pie and more, the holiday goodies can damage your teeth. The more acidic the food, the more potential damage your teeth could incur. This holiday season, choose your munchies carefully. Try to include some healthier options such as carrots, celery, lettuce, and any other raw hard vegetable. The vegetables will help scrub other foods from your teeth as you chew.
Family Dentist in Greeneville
There is no excuse for neglecting your oral health, even during the busiest holiday season of the year. To keep your smile sparkling through the holidays, make sure to brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once a day to minimize damage to your teeth. Then, once the holidays are over, schedule an appointment with Tusculum Dental Care by calling (423) 639-7575. We provide complete dental care to the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, or Erwin, Tennessee.