December is here, which means many of us are in full swing preparing for the upcoming holidays. While things may look a little different this year, with cancelled holiday parties and smaller family gatherings, there are still those constants that we can always look forward to: beautifully wrapped packages, twinkling decorations, and delicious holiday treats. If you are anything like the famous movie character, Buddy the Elf, and you stick to his four main food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup, you may be visiting our office to ring in the new year. We are in no way suggesting that you eliminate delicious treats during your celebrations, but we are here to suggest some helpful tips to keep your oral health in check while you partake in the festivities of the season.
Limit sugary sweets and alcohol – With the constant availability of candy canes, chocolate coins, cakes, wine, and champagne, it is easy to overindulge your sweet tooth. When sugar sits on your teeth, it can lead to the development of plaque, causing tooth decay. Be sure to enjoy all treats in moderation.
Offer healthy treats – While vegetable platters aren’t always the most exciting holiday snack to feast on during a get together, your teeth will thank you later. Crunchy vegetables are a great way to help keep teeth a little cleaner without all the extra added sugar of other goodies.
Don’t forget about your oral hygiene – Late nights can make putting off cleaning your teeth until morning very tempting, but that is an absolute no-go when indulging during the holidays. Be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible after consuming a meal or sugary treat.
Schedule a post-holiday visit – If you have not visited our office in a while, schedule an appointment after the holidays to be sure that you are starting the new year decay and cavity-free.
We hope these tips help you smile brightly and enjoy the company of your friends and family this holiday season. If you live in the Montgomery, AL area and would like more information about the services we offer, please contact our office today. We can’t wait to help your smile shine brightly this holiday season!
