The holidays can mean different things to different families. For many people, the routine of daily life may go out the window. The kids may be out of school, while the adults may have some extra time out of the office. Along with the routine by the wayside, there are sugary treats everywhere. Candy canes strewn about, cookies in the oven, and even sugar plum fairies dancing in our heads. A lot of people to just throw in the towel to self-care through the holidays to just start fresh in the new year. While the holidays should be fun, there are some ways to keep your smile healthy at this time of year.
Keep Brushing and Flossing
When the schedules go out the window, it can be tempting to just keep the pajamas on and do nothing all day. It is important to remember that anything that you eat or drink can stay in your mouth and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Rather than letting the kids go to bed without brushing and flossing, make a game out of the nightly routine while trying to sing carols while you brush or floss. It is recommended that you brush and floss at least twice daily. During the day, if you can drink water or chew sugarless gum, that can help to keep potentially harmful bacteria out of your mouth. Before you go to sleep, it is essential to brush and floss because a sleeping mouth is a haven for bacteria production.
The Gift of Moderation
Advising you to steer clear of all holiday treats would be cruel. It could also lead to a binge-fest, since studies show that deprivation can sometimes lead to a binge. Rather than finding yourself knee-deep in cookies after trying to stay clear of them, why not try just eating one or two after a balanced meal? Remember to keep getting plenty of protein, leafy greens, and vitamins to balance out any sugary indulgences.
Happy Holidays from Smith Family Dentistry!
You can keep a healthy smile during the holidays. To schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.