Dental Hygiene for the Holidays

With all the sugary goodies flying around for the holidays, it is extra-important to stay on top of your oral hygiene. Here are some tips to take care of your mouth through all those holiday soirées.

Be Aware of Your Sugar Intake: Don’t snack on sugary food products throughout the day. Eat a treat or three, then stop. This shortens the time the sugar is actually touching your teeth. Be sure to accompany all sweet or acidic dishes with a tall glass of water. This will help clean your teeth and will wash the acids and sugars away from the tooth’s surface.

Brush Your Teeth: Nothing substitutes for brushing your teeth twice a day (2 full minutes each time). This removes plaque and debris from your mouth. It is the foundation of good oral hygiene.

Floss: Floss your teeth once a day, using a single-filament ADA approved floss specifically designed for that purpose. This removes plaque and food debris from places your brush can’t reach. The ADA recommends flossing once a day for 2-3 minutes. This is especially important after eating sticky or sugary holiday foods.

Mouthwash: Consider adding over-the-counter mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine for the holiday. Therapeutic mouthwashes are the best; they are those that actually kill bacteria and contribute to mouth health, rather than simply freshening breath. Though not a ADA-required part of an oral hygiene routine, most therapeutic mouthwashes can be very helpful. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the label for a quality product.

For more information, call Long Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in College Station, Texas, at 979-846-0082.  Dr. Parker Long and our team are happy to help keep your smile shining bright!

Tel: 979-846-0082 | 402 Tarrow St, College Station, TX 77840