Good oral health is key to a beautiful smile and can also prevent complications in other parts of the body. Practicing excellent oral hygiene, eating the right foods, and avoiding bad oral habits are a few ways you can promote a healthy mouth. Unfortunately, with the holidays finally here, some people may find it more difficult to keep their smiles in good condition. Continue reading to learn four holiday smile tips to keep your pearly whites in good shape.
Tip #1: Regularly Brush Your Teeth
Brushing once in the morning and once at the night is one of the most basic parts of practicing good oral hygiene. During the holidays, the influx of sweet treats makes this even more important. For that reason, you may want to be sure to clean your smile the proper way. Do so for two minutes each time for the best results and wait for at least 30 minutes after eating to avoid enamel damage.
Tip #2: Floss Often
Along with brushing, you should floss more often, too. Just brushing will leave 40% of plaque on your smile, which raises your chances of developing decay between your pearly whites. If you’re going to be traveling during the holidays, consider keeping a dental kit with you that contains floss as well as mouthwash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.
Tip #3: Skip Sugary, Sticky, and High-Carb Foods
As you can imagine, sweet foods like cake, pie, and holiday cookies aren’t the best for your smile. In addition to the obvious ones, there are other foods that can harm your smile. Things like rolls and other carb-heavy food break down into sugar in the mouth. This means that can harm your smile in the same way. It’s best to skip them or follow up with a glass of water to wash away the excess sugar.
Tip #4: Eat Protein and Calcium-Packed Foods
Instead of the above foods, eat ones that are full of protein, calcium, and other vitamins and nutrients that your teeth need to stay healthy and strong. Some foods to pile on to your plate include:
- Vegetables, such as carrots, celery, asparagus, broccoli, peas, and Brussels sprouts
- Dairy products like low-fat or fat-free yogurt, milk, and cheese
- Lean meats like chicken, beef, or turkey
- Leafy greens, such as spinach
- Fish like salmon
Your smile might not be at the top of your list of concerns this holiday season but consider moving it up a few spots. After all, following these holiday smile tips means you won’t need to make an emergency visit to your dentist and can enjoy your time off work and visiting with loved ones to the fullest!
About the Practice
Dr. Sam Antoon and the team at Antoon Family Dental are here to help you keep your smile strong and lovely. They operate from their inviting Plano office and can offer you holiday smile tips that will help prevent dental emergencies. If you are ready to set up an appointment with Antoon Family Dental or want to learn more about their services, visit their website or contact their office at (972) 267-5000 to get started.