The holiday season is upon us with all its festive decorations and delicious treats. Whether you’re looking forward to enjoying a mug of hot cocoa on a cold snowy day or can’t wait to enjoy your seasonal white chocolate peppermint bark and candy canes, there are plenty of ways to please your sweet tooth. Unfortunately, sugar also attracts bacteria that could contribute to tooth decay, and you’ll end up with a cavity if you overindulge! Keep reading to learn 4 tips that can help you prevent potential problems this winter.
Tip #1: Take Your Toothbrush
Whether you’re on-the-go for work or traveling to see friends and family, bringing a toothbrush with you ensures that you’re never caught off-guard. You never know when you might need to freshen up before a business meeting or remove get stuck food from between your teeth after dinner. Furthermore, brushing frequently can remove unwanted microbes and sugary food particles that can result in plaque buildup and cavities.
Tip #2: Get A New Toothbrush
The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months because germs can contaminate the bristles, not to mention that your consistent brushing wears them down. The more sugar you consume, the more opportunity for toxic bacteria to flourish on your teeth and then transfer to your toothbrush. You can find electric options that are incredibly efficient, but a simple toothbrush with a diamond-shaped head or triple-action bristles are also great at cleaning hard-to-reach corners.
Tip #3: Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Sticky sweets are infamous for clinging to the surfaces and crevices of your pearly whites to cause damage. You can mitigate this by chewing sugar-free gum. It increases saliva production which is your body’s natural defense to restore minerals to your enamel. On top of that, it moistens your mouth, so sugar is less likely to stick to your teeth.
Tip #4: Reduce Your Sugar Consumption
It’s difficult saying no to freshly baked cookies from a co-worker or the chocolate mousse at the dessert table but doing so can keep your grin in top condition. Because sugar is so harmful to your teeth, one of the best ways to circumvent potential damage is to simply not eat any. If you can’t resist, though, you can still have fewer or smaller portions to reduce its impact on your pearly whites.
Now you know how to avoid problems and can keep your smile happy and healthy into the new year!
About the Author
Dr. Barry R. Franzen earned his DDS from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1985 and then received his prosthodontic training at the University of Missouri and Truman Medical Center. He takes pride in providing a full range of dental services to meet all your oral healthcare needs whether you require a simple checkup or have a cavity that needs to be filled. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (414) 543-5432.