Oral Health Tips and Healthy Treats for Teeth This Holiday

• Dr Halim Prayogo (Dentist)
• 8 years ago

The holiday season is almost in full swing. Of course, you will be busy visiting friends or preparing your meal plan for dinner, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your oral health behind. Without a healthy and complete set of teeth, you won’t be able to eat and feast on the different types foods served on your table this holiday season.

It’s hard to resist holiday foods and beverages, but what’s harder is to suffer from dental pain while the rest of your loved ones are celebrating. To avoid unwanted dental emergencies and keep your teeth healthy over the holidays, your Mernda dentist has some oral health tips for you.

Oral Health Tips to Stay Cavity-Free Over the Holidays

• Avoid too many sweets. Eat a single slice of cake or have small servings of other sugary treats and brush your teeth afterward. Doing this exposes your teeth to less sugar and reduces the risk of tooth decay.

• Don’t use your teeth to crack nuts. The hard surface of nutshells can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. Instead, use a nutcracker or choose a different snack that’s soft on your teeth.

• Eat chewy treats and thick candies sparingly and preferably along with other foods to keep them from clinging to your teeth and promoting cavities.

• Don’t chew on hard candies or ice cubes. Allow a hard candy or the last piece of ice in your cocktail to dissolve naturally in your mouth. Crunching on hard foods or objects can put too much stress on your teeth and cause them to crack.

• Drink more water. Keep your body hydrated and reduce dry mouth by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water washes away the acid and sugar residue from your mouth.

• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Don’t settle for just sweet delicacies; include salads, fruits and dairy items on your plate. It’s the season of good food and it’s the best time to enjoy healthy treats, as well.

• Don’t skip your dental visit. It’s a great idea to visit your dentist for any unchecked dental problems or inspection of your dental work before the holidays to prevent unwanted dental pain.

Choosing Healthy Treats for Healthy Teeth

Pass on the sweet treats; we have listed some foods that are good options for your oral health. Here are some guilt-free and tooth-friendly foods that your teeth will surely love to chew on:

Vegetables and Apples

Vegetables such as celery, carrots, broccoli and crunchy fruits such as apples act like tiny scrubbers that remove food deposits and keep your breath fresh. They are rich in fibre and vitamins, which makes them ideal foods for teeth and gums.

Cheese

Don’t miss enjoying some cheeses when you attend a party or banquet. As you know, cheese contains a high amount of calcium and this help strengthens your teeth and jawbones. Moreover, cheese has antibacterial properties and low pH levels that keep your mouth less susceptible to plaque and bacteria.

Sugar-free Gum

Grab a piece of sugar-free gum after meals. Chewing a sugar-less gum produces more saliva and helps eliminate sugar and harmful acids. Gum also makes your breath fresher, which is great for holiday socializing.

Turkey

Eating protein-packed foods such as turkey is one of the best ways to enjoy holiday eating while keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Turkey is non-fermentable, which means it fights cavity-causing reactions in your mouth. It’s a great source of protein and phosphorus, that when paired up with calcium, helps strengthen your teeth.

Great Oral Health Over Holidays in Mernda

It’s not impossible to keep your teeth and body healthy during holiday season. With commitment to your dental care, you can avoid the harmful effects of tempting sweet treats as well as the occurrence of unwanted dental pain. The year is about to end, claim your dental benefits before they expire this December 2015. End the year with a happy and healthy smile with the help of your Mernda Dentist. Your entire dental family at United Smiles wishes you all of the best during this season of joy!

United Smiles is conveniently located in the heart of Mernda Village, serving patients from Doreen, Beveridge, Whittlesea, Mernda and from all Melbourne metro areas. Our dental office includes ample parking available at the rear of the building. Wheel chair access is also available from the front of the building and all of our surgeries have been built to accommodate this.

For HCF and CBHS, claim your PAY NO GAP OFFER on dental check-up and clean. Bulk Bill Child Benefit Schedule Up to $1,000. To know more about our dental offers, book your appointment online or call us on (03) 8682 8658.