Dentist in Torrance Gives 3 Tips to Having a Healthy Holiday Mouth

The holidays are a season for spending quality time with extended family members, decorating the home, enjoying the lights in the community and of course opening up gifts. But while it’s easy to get wrapped up in festive activities (and wrapping paper), you don’t want to let your oral care go out the window. Holiday treats can be tasty, but getting a new cavity is no way to ring in the new year.

With these tips from a dentist in Torrance, you can rest assured knowing that your smile be in good health throughout the season.

Keep Mouth-Healthy Treats Available

The late-year holidays bring around their own fair share of treats you don’t see during the other seasons. Candied apples, eggnog,chocolate covered popcorn, and other sweets can do serious damage to your teeth.While it can be okay to indulge once in a while, it can quickly become a slippery slope. One moment you’re having a glass of eggnog and the next you’re dipping a sugar cookie into it.

When you indulge in holiday treats, it’s important that you save them for after a meal when saliva production is high. Saliva is crucial to digestion and breaking down/washing away bacteria after a meal, so save dessert for this time. Furthermore, opt for treats that are less harmful to teeth, such as peppermint candies, gingerbread cookies, nuts and cheeses. If you’recurrently undergoing Invisalign treatment, make sure you aren’t drinking any beverages other than water while wearing them, especially hot liquids like cider or hot chocolate.

Dedicate Time to Comprehensive Oral Hygiene

Brushing twice a day and flossing daily is crucial, but actually committing to this habit is what really counts. Whether it’s at night or in the morning, make sure to make one of your oral care session a thorough one. Reach all the surfaces of your teeth and try to not just skim over them in general. Floss in between each tooth, then use an oral rinse so the fluoride can disinfect the areas between your teeth and inside your gum pockets. These small improvements can make a big difference.

If Traveling, Stay Prepared

If you plan on traveling for the holidays, it can be easy to let dental care go by the wayside. Always remember to pack the essentials,including:

• Toothbrush (and toothbrush coverings)
• Floss
• Travel-sized mouth wash container
• Travel-sized toothpaste
• Any dental appliances or tools for your treatment (spare aligners, cleaning crystals, etc.)
• Backup oral care supplies

When you arrive at your destination, take your toothbrush out of its protective case. Leaving it in the case for too long will only allow it to develop bacteria. Letting it dry out once you arrive will reduce the chances of you becoming sick while traveling. Pack your oral care supplies first if you fear that you’ll forget it on the day of travel.

Holiday oral care tips like these are only the tip of the iceberg. To get more helpful advice, schedule an appointment with a family dentist in Torrance today!

About the Author

Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour earned her DDS degree from UCLA, where she also takes continuing education courses centered around dentistry. She does everything she can to keep her patients informed on positive oral care habits throughout the holidays. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, you can contact her through her website.