The holiday season comes with a dilemma. One the one hand, you want to enjoy all the season has to offer, from homemade cookies to candy canes, fruit cake, and any number of other treats. But you also want to keep your smile healthy, too. How is that possible, you might be wondering, when there will be no shortage of parties from now until the end of the year—including office parties, church parties, family get-togethers, nights out with friends?
The good news is it’s more possible than you may realize. By keeping just a couple of tips in mind, you can preserve your smile and avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
First, brush as often as you can. One way you can do this is by carrying a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste with you to parties and holiday events. If this isn’t possible, though, consider keeping a pack of xylitol gum with you. Xylitol fights cavities by promoting a healthy pH in the mouth and making it more difficult for bacteria and plaque to stick to the surfaces of teeth.
Second, consider ways you can stick to a balanced diet. While indulging can be good from time to time, enjoying foods that can help you curtail the production of acid—which fuels bacteria growth—can help you protect your smile.
But so can including your smile in your New Year’s resolutions. Making regular visit and daily brushing and flossing a priority are the best way to keep your smile in tip-top shape.
Want to get started on the New Year early? Call Michel Dental today to go ahead and schedule your next appointment with Dr. Michel. Michel Dental serves patients from Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, and surrounding areas.
And from all Dr. Michel and the rest of the team at Michel Dental, we want to wish everyone a happy Christmas season!