It’s hard to not be excited for the holiday season—especially if you’re a fan of food! But unfortunately, being a foodie can also make it a little challenging to take adequate care of your pearly whites, especially with all of the classic Thanksgiving and Christmas meal options that are popular these days. But your dentist in Arlington is here to help! Here are some useful tips to help you keep your teeth looking and feeling their best this holiday season.
1. Watch What You Eat
It’s important to watch what you eat year-round, but it becomes especially more important during the holidays. Many classic Thanksgiving and Christmas staples aren’t exactly great for your oral health, so try enjoying sugary sweets and treats in moderation and stick to a healthy, vitamin-rich diet when possible. Eating calcium-rich foods can also promote healthier enamel. Plus, you should drink plenty of water to help wash away any cavity-causing particles from your smile.
2. Brush & Floss Regularly
It can sometimes be pretty easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of all of your holiday activities, but you should be sure that you’re remembering to make enough time to brush and floss your pearly whites daily. By neglecting your oral health during the holiday months, you’ll be at an increased risk of cavities, stained teeth, gum disease, and more.
3. Relax & Get Plenty of Rest
It’s also pretty easy to get stressed out during the holidays, as you might have several things going on! But feeling unnecessary stress can sometimes lead to bruxism, which causes you to grind and clench your teeth unconsciously. Needless to say, this can seriously damage your teeth if left unchecked. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, make sure that you’re getting plenty of rest and relaxing over the holidays; your teeth will thank you!
4. Seek Regular Preventive Care
Before you get too busy with all of your holiday festivities, it’s a good idea to schedule one of your biannual preventive checkups. These visits allow your dentist to check your mouth for underlying oral health issues, in addition to giving them the chance to clean your teeth of stubbornly built-up plaque and tartar.
Keeping these tips in mind this holiday season will let you make the most of your time with family, friends, and food—while also ensuring that your pearly whites look and feel their absolute best!
About the Author
Dr. Nancy Cabansag has proudly served patients and families in the Arlington, Texas area for several years. Dr. Cabansag received her dental doctorate from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California and is an active member of both the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact Dr. Cabansag’s practice online or over the phone for assistance: (817) 561-2161.