Everyone wants to start the new year with a beautiful and healthy smile. Unfortunately, sometimes holiday celebrations can get in the way of that goal. If you spend too much time eating sugary treats or indulging in alcoholic beverages, you may just find that you’ve developed a cavity or other dental issue, and have to start the year seeking restorative treatment. To prevent this, though, you just need to make some wise choices during your celebrations, and remember to take great care of your teeth, even during these busy times.
Combine Dental Care and a Healthy Diet for a Great Smile
Great preventive care is a combination of at-home hygiene, regular dental checkups, and healthy eating habits, which help you maintain strong teeth and healthy gums.
- Even during busy travel days, don’t forget to brush twice, once in the morning and once before bed (or after dinner, when you’re finished eating for the day). Just be sure to floss once a day, too. Skipping flossing often leads to excessive plaque buildup, which causes cavities, gum disease and other dental problems.
- Drinking plenty of water is essential to maintaining your oral health. It helps you fight plaque, naturally, not to mention supplies your entire body with the hydration it needs to properly function. (It’s especially important to drink water anytime you’re consuming alcohol or caffeine, as both can dehydrate you, which can lead to a host of problems for your overall and oral health.)
- While it’s tempting to spend the holidays loading up on sugary treats, it’s important to limit them. Avoiding excess sugar is one of the best ways you can prevent dental problems, since plaque feeds on sugar. Do this by eating healthy items like fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and dairy products (look for no-sugar added varieties), all of which can supply you with nutrients you need. They’ll also help keep you full, making it much easier to pass up the dessert table at your next party or gathering!