Are You Prepared for Taking Care of Your Teeth During the Holidays?
The holidays are coming up, and soon your schedule will start filling up with family get-togethers, work, and social parties. As good as it is to spend time connecting with your co-workers, friends, and loved ones, all of these interactions come with rich foods, sweet treats, and drinks that taste amazing but are terrible for your teeth.
It is possible to continue taking care of your teeth during your holiday feasting if you take the proper precautions.
Taking care of your teeth away from home:
- Rinse your mouth. Water is your best friend! After you’re done eating, start drinking water and rinsing it around your teeth. Water neutralizes the acids and saliva from your meal in preparation for brushing. Make sure you wait 30 minutes before brushing.
- Be Prepared. Carry travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your purse or pocket. It only takes two minutes in any bathroom to clean away the remnants of your meal. Even if you will be eating again, your teeth need all the help they can get.
- Brushing technique. When you brush, try to focus on the juncture at the base of your teeth and gums, where plaque builds up. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, towards the gumline and brush softly, keeping the bristles from bending away from your teeth. If you have braces, apply the same brushing care to both sides of your brackets.
- Vigilance. Not only will these steps keep your teeth clean and bright as you practice them regularly, but it will also keep your breath fresh. It’s easier to feel comfortable in public with a bright smile and fresh breath.
Taking care of your teeth at home:
- Be diligent about brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth is vital whether you wear braces or not, but it becomes more important when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. That need only increases during the holidays when there is an increase in sugary food consumption. If you wear braces, it’s much easier for tiny pieces of food to get engulfed in the braces and cause you discomfort and dental problems.
- Avoid chewy treats. More often than not, holiday candy platters come with treats that may potentially harm your teeth. Tiny chunks of food can be stuck on your tooth enamel and in turn, bring about tooth decay. Although flossing can come in handy during this time, it is equally important to avoid eating too many treats.
- Floss and mouthwash. Flossing when wearing braces can be a bit of a challenge but is a major step in your oral hygiene. Flossing can help get rid of smaller pieces of food stuck between your teeth or in your braces. Mouthwash is always recommended as it rinses out your mouth and, in turn, gets rid of any leftover bacteria left in your mouth.
- Regular checkups. Always remember the importance of your regular visits with your orthodontist during your time with braces to avoid any complications that may have arisen while you were away.
Throughout the holidays and the rest of the year, we are always here to help at Rollins and Petersen Orthodontics. If you have questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment or need to schedule a checkup, please give us a call today at 480-924-2880.
