5 Tips To Keep Teeth Healthy Over The Holidays From My Local Dentists Leichhardt
The festive period can be difficult for teeth and gums, but the experienced team at My Local Dentists is on hand to keep you smiling through the New Year.
Here are a few teeth-friendly advice for your family from your Leichhardt dentist!
As a holiday bonus, we include 5 great tips for maintaining your smile and oral health throughout the holidays!
1. EAT TREATS IN JUST ONE SITTING
We all like indulging in delectable delicacies during the holidays, but do you know how eating them can significantly impact your teeth? Instead of snacking on chocolates and candies throughout the day, enjoying them in one sitting or alongside a meal is better.
Why does this matter? Each time you eat sweets, especially sticky foods, germs in your mouth create acids that erode your enamel.
Frequent snacking means your teeth are exposed to these acids longer, increasing the risk of cavities.
So, go ahead and enjoy your festive treats—but try to limit the frequency. If possible, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help wash away some of the sugar and acids.
2. TEETH AND TAPE DON’T MIX. SCISSORS ARE YOUR TOOL OF CHOICE
It’s almost Christmas, and you’re left wrapping up to the last minute. In panic, you keep the paper roll in one hand while ripping off tape strips with your teeth. STOP! This may harm teeth. Instead, cut off strips of tape using scissors.
3. BE CAREFUL OF TOFFEE AND CANDY CANES
Holiday favourites like toffees and candy canes may be tempting, but they’re not exactly friends of your teeth. Sticky toffees can adhere to dental work such as crowns, fillings, or veneers, increasing the risk of pulling them loose.
Conversely, candy canes can be hard and brittle, which means biting down on them could lead to chipped or broken teeth.
If you can’t resist these treats, try letting them dissolve in your mouth rather than biting into them. Better yet, opt for chocolates that melt quickly, leaving less residue on your teeth and reducing the likelihood of damage.
4. REVERSE THE EFFECTS OF ACIDIC DRINKS WITH WATER
Christmas would not be complete without a sparkling drink that packs a punch for overall oral health! The acids, sugar, and alcohol in sparkling drinks can damage teeth if they are regularly consumed.
The same thing applies when drinking many soft drinks and even juice. Don’t think that because your soft drink is sugar-free, it is already safe.
These drinks are high in acids and can damage the enamel of teeth as much as, if not more.
Enjoy your drinks moderately, and limit the erosive effects on teeth enamel by drinking lots of water between glasses.
5. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH
During the feast’s hustle and bustle, people can easily neglect their off-time dental hygiene and care. But one of the easiest things you can do to protect your teeth during this busy season is to maintain a proper brushing schedule.
Make it a point to brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes. A fluoride paste removes stains and raises the hardness of your enamel to prevent cavities. Do not go to bed without flossing your teeth because it will clean the area that your toothbrush won’t be able to get.
If you’re travelling, pack a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your oral care routine on track. Remember, extra care can prevent dental issues in the New Year.
Optimum Oral Health in Leichhardt
From our team at My Local Dentists, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
Leichhardt dentist services and treatments are 100% personalised to you and your needs.
Our dentists and supporting staff are extremely talented, dedicated, and experienced. Working together, we ensure your visit is as pleasant as possible.
GAP FREE Promotion for New Patients
Prevention is essential to a beautiful and healthy smile, so we will do everything possible to minimise barriers to visiting the dentist.
To achieve this, we do not charge a gap payment from any health fund for preventative services, including your six-monthly check-up, scale and cleans, X-rays, intraoral photos, personalised treatment plan, and fluoride treatments.
*for new patients only
Call us on (02) 9171 0840 or request your appointment online.
We are located at Shop 48, Leichhardt Marketplace Shopping Centre, 122-138 Flood Street in Leichhardt.
