Tis the season to party and eat, drink, and be merry. This can take a toll on your smile and overall oral health if you let it. Although, it is no time of year, more full of sweet and crunchy treats. It is also some of the busiest times of years as far as time crunches go. Here are some great tips to help you keep your mouth happy and healthy during the holiday season.
Make Time for Care
At almost every event you go to this time of year there will be food. It is alright to enjoy and socialize with your friends, coworkers and family, but do not let your oral health take a back seat. A small oral care kit that includes a travel size toothbrush (about 4 or 5 in long) a small roll of dental floss and a tiny tube of toothpaste can be purchased from almost any pharmacy. These kits fit easily into a small clutch or even a jacket or trouser pocket for quick use. This makes it easy to just excuse yourself at some point during the night and freshen up your smile.
Do Not Let Your Routine Be Disturbed
Even with the long hours and travel across the many miles that most of us experience from late November to early January you really have to make an effort sometimes to take care of yourself. Even when you are out and about, traveling and going to see family and friends you can maintain good oral hygiene. A travel set is also handy here making it easier to excuse yourself and floss and brush while on the go. Brush and floss at least two times a day preferable after meals to maintain the best effect. It may take some effort for you to pull away from the festivities, but your dentist and your smile will thank you!
Choose Healthy Snacks
The Holidays are full of sweets, candies, pastries and sticky, gooey treats, while these are OK as an occasional treat they should not be overly indulged in. This is easy to do when they are so tasty and always about at holiday gatherings. Instead, seek out the veggies, the fruits, and the nuts. Although, these are all rather crunchy and can sometimes cause issues if you have some tooth weakness, they are better alternatives for a healthy smile. Drinks that are lower in sugar and better for you are of course water, but a festive eggnog or spiced cider is ok within reason.
Make A Change
No matter what type of celebration you decide to go to, you too can have a healthier smile. If you do not already have a good routine or are lacking in the oral hygiene this time of year is great to start anew. Make a decision to make your oral health a priority as the New Year begins. This will not only help your smile but also your overall health as well. You will find that as you think about what is best for your mouth you will begin to think of what is best for your body as a whole.
Dr. Sam BurrowDr Sam Burrow D.D.S., D.M.D. – Dr. Burrow was born in Charlotte and moved to Charleston to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Biology at the College of Charleston. He graduated magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and then stayed to earn a D.M.D. with honors at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Burrow completed his orthodontic residency at University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan and is now in practice with his father at Burrow Orthodontics in the Charlotte area.