The holiday season is in full swing, which means you are likely going to be attending fun parties and meals with lots of sugar and starch. While these ingredients make food delicious, they also increase the risk of cavities. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about protecting smiles during the holiday season!
Sugar, Starch, and Tooth Decay
Many of our holiday favorites are high in sugar and starch, such as sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, muffins and biscuits, and pies and other desserts. When we eat a lot of these, sugar and starch particles become trapped between the teeth. This could allow bacteria to consume them and create the plaque and tartar buildup that weakens enamel and inflames the gums, creating tooth decay and gum disease. You could also be at risk for bad breath and teeth stains.
To help fight this, eat these items in moderation and follow them with a glass of water to help rinse your smile. In addition, you can add fresh broccoli, carrots, and apples to your plate to help rinse away buildup as you eat them. Finally, consider excusing yourself after your meal to floss thoroughly!
See Us Soon
We also hope you will see us soon for a checkup and cleaning visit. You can undergo one now and start the holiday season with a brighter and healthier smile, and we can potentially treat issues like tooth decay, so you end 2024 with a better smile. A visit now is also a chance to use your remaining 2024 dental benefits and health savings account funds before they expire at the end of December. We want to help you start a new year with an improved smile, so reach out today!
Better Care at Home
Along with visits for checkups and cleanings, daily oral hygiene habits can also help protect your smile. For example, you should start and end your day by brushing your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. You also need to floss in the evening before you brush that second time. These actions help remove stray food and drink particles to limit the risk of everything from bad breath and teeth stains to cavities and gingivitis. If you have any questions about how our team will safeguard your smile during the holidays, then contact our team today to learn more.
SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT VISIT WITH DR. STEWART, DDS!
Our team wants to make sure you start 2025 with a healthier smile. To find out more about protecting smiles from cavities and gum disease, or to schedule your next appointment, then give us a call at our office in Livonia, MI at (734)425-4400.