Holidays often involve copious amounts of food. But how do we maintain mouth health while enjoying the treats of the season? Here are some suggestions.
Get enough calcium: It is important to get the proper nutrition to maintain a healthy smile. One of the most important nutrients for your mouth is calcium. Many people turn to dairy–milk or flavored milk (be careful with the added sugar!), yogurt or frozen yogurt, or a variety of holiday cheeses. If you can’t have dairy, try some dark leafy greens, such as a kale or spinach salad. Fortified orange juice is also a good idea.
Limit Sugars and Acids: Make sure as you eat that you aren’t snacking on sugary or starchy foods throughout the day. Have a treat of two, then stop for a while. Try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for 20 minutes to encourage saliva flow, which cleans teeth.
Keep Up on Oral Hygiene: Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day, for 2 minutes each time. Also, floss for 2-3 minutes each day. If you choose to add mouthwash to your oral routine for the holidays, be sure to pick one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to help guarantee a quality product.
For more information, call [practice_name] in [city], [state], at [phone]. Dr. [doctor_name] and our team are happy to help keep your smile bright this season!