Holiday Healthy Teeth Tips Part II

For many of us, the holiday season is synonymous with overindulging in food and drink. Believe it or not, this can have an effect on your teeth. I'm going to give you a few tips for keeping your teeth healthy during the holiday season.

#1: Don't forget to brush and floss.

For many of us, brushing and flossing our teeth can seem like a chore when we come home late from a holiday gathering. Did you know that it only takes 24 hours after a thorough cleaning at the dentist for plaque to form on your teeth? Plaque is a soft deposit, often colorless or yellow, that forms along with your teeth and gums. It consists of bacteria, food, and saliva. If plaque is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you continue to brush twice a day and floss once a day during the holidays.

#2: Be mindful of how many sweets you are eating.

Increased sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing cavities. The holiday season is often filled with indulgent desserts. Dental cavities are caused by acid released from oral bacteria after they consume sugar. Limiting the intake of sugary foods and beverages is a good way to reduce cavities, both during the holiday season and all year round.

#3: Don't give your nightguard a holiday vacation.

The average American consumes double the amount of alcoholic drinks over the holidays. Alcohol consumption can interrupt sleep patterns and alter the neurotransmitters in your brain. This can cause increased activity of the muscles in your face and result in increased tooth grinding. A nightguard can protect your teeth from the harmful effects of tooth grinding, so don't leave it behind!