3 Tips to Protect Your Oral Health During the 2021 Holiday Season

With the holidays right around the corner, family calendars are starting to book up with tons of activities. From holiday parties at school and the office to church events and family gatherings, there is a lot to tackle between now and the end of the year. Unfortunately, with all of these fun events come plenty of sugary foods and drinks that can wreak havoc on our teeth, gums, and overall health.

Though most of the bacteria in our mouths is harmless, our mouths still serve as an entryway to our digestive and respiratory systems. If harmful oral bacteria are not eliminated, they can enter our other body systems and lead to serious illnesses and diseases. When we practice good oral care, though, we can mostly keep that bacteria under control.

With all of the busyness of the holiday hustle and bustle, it can be easy to inadvertently set our oral care routine to the wayside. Instead of letting that happen to you, read on to learn how you can protect your oral health this holiday season with a solid oral care routine. By understanding the impact of oral health on general health and wellbeing, you can make better decisions that can protect you for years to come.

1. Don’t skimp out on your oral care routine.

If you haven’t taken the hint yet, your daily oral care routine is paramount to your overall health,  so make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, be sure to floss once per day, especially after meals where you have consumed shredded meats, popcorn, or other foods that tend to get stuck between the teeth. Finally, make sure to rinse once a day with a fluoridated mouthwash. Using a mouthwash before bedtime not only makes your mouth feel clean and fresh, but it can also provide one last line of defense in killing off nasty bacteria that has been building up throughout the day.

2. Don’t let the holidays keep you from making your twice-annual visit to the dentist.

Unless you have serious dental concerns, most dentists will recommend that you visit them every six months. One reason for this is because that is about how long it takes for cavities to develop. When your dentist can catch a cavity early on, they can fill it before it does too much damage. Preventive dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, can go a long way toward keeping your mouth and body healthy. So if your dental visit is due during the holiday season, don’t let the busyness of the holiday season keep you away. And if you live in the Omaha, Nebraska, area, all you need to do is request an appointment using The Tooth Doc’s easy online form. 

And remember too that by making regular visits to the dentist, you can also help avoid various oral illnesses. Poor oral health is commonly associated with dental caries (cavities), gum disease, and oral cancer. Your dentist will partner with you on the proper oral care routine to help lessen your risk of developing these illnesses. This should be reason alone to not skimp out on that visit to the dentist every six months, even if it does fall during the busy holiday season.

3. Drink plenty of water and focus on tooth-friendly foods and beverages.

We all know drinking water is good for us. Not only is it essential for our digestion, but it also helps remove toxins from the body and reduces inflammation. But when it comes to your teeth, drinking water helps rinse your mouth naturally. In addition, water helps remove particles from between your teeth, which lessens your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. So, be sure to drink plenty of water this holiday season.

In addition to maintaining a healthy water intake, be sure to watch what you eat too. It can be easy to consume more than our fair share of sugary sweets during the holidays. So, instead of reaching for a candy cane or candied apple, consider a healthier option such as spinach artichoke frittatas, pita tree appetizers, or one of the many tooth-friendly holiday recipes shared by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Maintain good oral health with a visit to The Tooth Doc.

If you want to maintain good oral health and need a dental cleaning or oral examination, now is the time to request an appointment with The Tooth Doc in Omaha, Nebraska. All you need to do is request an appointment using our easy-to-use online form, then we’ll work with you to find a convenient appointment time. We can’t wait to meet you and help you stay on the path to good oral health with a solid oral care routine.