Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
As Christmas quickly approaches, for many, it means family gatherings filled with laughter, decadent foods, and indulgent beverages. Although it is alright to enjoy a sweet treat or tasty snack in moderation, the holidays can cause your sugar consumption to increase, which puts your waistline and oral health in jeopardy significantly. Harmful bacteria feed on the sugar you consume and damage your tooth enamel, often resulting in cavities. Therefore, leading family dentists near Erwin at Tusculum Dental Care explain how to keep your teeth healthy this Christmas so that you can smile with confidence through the upcoming holiday seasons.
- Moderation is Key
With the holidays comes more sugar-filled foods and treats that you may not normally consume. Although it may be tempting to eat as much as you can because this is the only time you get those special treats, it is better to consume small amounts to prevent weight gain or cavities and gum disease. Our Greeneville family dentists warn patients about consuming sugary beverages such as juices and sodas because they have high acidic levels or often contain sugar. In the spirit of the holidays, alcoholic drinks often flow. Unfortunately, most alcoholic beverages include high sugar content and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. To help fight against harmful bacteria when consuming enamel damage-causing foods and drinks, drink a glass of water with the food or drink or after you finish the beverage. The water will help wash away harmful bacteria and keep you hydrated.
- Include Healthy Choices
A buffet-style meal can impress your guests when you have several items from which to choose. However, when planning your buffet, be sure to include healthier options such as crunchy vegetables, homemade dips, nuts, and low-fat cheese, so your guests don’t feel overloaded with sugar and carbohydrates. Your professional dentists in Greeneville also recommend fruit as a healthier option that would make an excellent addition to your holiday spread.
- Brush Your Teeth After Eating or Drinking
Whether you are partying at home with close family or friends or in the office with coworkers, your oral health can suffer from the foods and beverages you consume. Our experienced Greeneville general dentists explain that prolonged sugar exposure to your teeth can cause significant damage to your tooth enamel and gums. Keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your purse, car, or office desk so you can clean your teeth and gums on the go. Brushing or flossing can be challenging in certain circumstances where there is no sink or you are away from your toothbrush. When brushing is not possible, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash until you can adequately brush your teeth.
- Regularly Visit the Dentist
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your family dentist in Greeneville once every six months for a checkup and cleaning to help prevent advanced oral health conditions. Even the most diligent home oral health regimens can leave some plaque behind that must be removed to prevent cavity formation. Contact our office for an end-of-the-year checkup and cleaning before your dental insurance benefits expire at the end of the year.
Family Dentists in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Getting wrapped up in the holiday season may lead to forgetfulness when it comes to your oral health. The longer acids and sugars are in contact with your mouth, the more damage they could cause, resulting in expensive treatments to repair the damage. Therefore, by following the above guidelines, you could protect your oral health throughout the holiday season. If you want to get your smile holiday-ready, feel free to contact the Jonesboro dentists near you at Tusculum Dental Care by calling (423) 639-7575 or request an appointment online today.