Here come the holidays and with them, the opportunity to kick back and relax, and hopefully leave some of the stresses and worries of the year behind for a while. It’s also, however, an opportunity for good habits to slip, and for bad habits to sneak in, and that’s especially true for oral health.
It doesn’t have to be that way of course, so here are five simple, easy ways to maintain that bright smile and healthy mouth, while still enjoying a well-deserved holiday break to the full.
Keep up the oral health basics
We say it often, but it bears repeating: brush and floss daily.
Not only does brushing physically remove plaque from the mouth, but brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes dramatically reduces the incidences of cavities, strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to the effects of acid. In fact, research shows that tooth enamel that has been strengthened with fluoride is actually much more resistant to acid than regular tooth enamel.
And don’t skip the floss either. It turns out that people who skip flossing, may be missing up to 30% of tooth surfaces in the mouth. That leaves a lot of room for bacteria to build up and for plaque to develop, so keep it up, even when your usual daily routine is on hold.
Maintain a healthy diet for oral health
We can all be forgiven for letting our diet go a little bit over the holiday period. After all, Christmas is known for its nutritional indulgences, and as for New Year’s Eve, it’s practically expected.
The key is balance – even in moments of indulgence. By all means, enjoy the gingerbread, stuffing and puddings that come along with Christmas, but keep up your intake of good plant-based foods too, including lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy sources of protein and fats.
Remember, high levels of sugar consumption are also directly linked to gum disease, so, after excessively sugar-laden moments, wash your mouth out with water and brush with a fluoride toothpaste soon after.
Replace your toothbrush
An old worn toothbrush just doesn’t work as well.
So how often should brushes be replaced? A good rule of thumb is to replace tooth brushes every three to four months – or sooner if the bristles are beginning to show signs of wear.
Electric toothbrushes are a great option too – generally speaking, they remove plaque more effectively than manual brushes, but they are more expensive (and require recharging or batteries) so choose the option that works best for you.
Drink water (and lots of it) for oral health
Water is hugely important for a range of bodily functions, with the maintenance of oral health being no exception.
Dry mouth is one of the leading causes of bad breath. Drinking water helps wash away unswallowed food, which can lead to a build up of bacteria and the unwelcome odour of halitosis.
Water also helps to regulate appetite, and with the range of treats and indulgences usually on offer over the Christmas break, a few glasses of water before a big meal can help prevent overeating.
There are myriad other benefits too, including helping to keep skin clear and to keep your kidneys working well, so drink up!
Make an appointment
Forthcoming celebrations with friends and family are a great excuse to book in professional teeth-cleaning today. After all, no one wants a toothache ruining their family celebrations, so book an appointment for a checkup – or to get any niggles or early warning signs addressed early. Those in a Wellington region can call Simply Dental on 0800 123 343, or make an online booking by clicking here.
Remember – with a consistent maintenance programme, a little indulgence is fine and there’s no need to stress about the odd sweet treat shared with friends and family.
For more advice on oral health, diet and wellbeing, or to make an appointment with Simply Dental, click here to book online.