Oral Health Tips for Winter Holiday Season

A winter holiday is around the corner. With the holidays comes lots of delectable food, fun, and festivities. These joyous days, however, can also take a toll on your oral health. With sweets and unhealthy food, your oral health can take a beating. 

During the holiday season, we typically see an increased number of patients. Many of our patients enjoy sharing their favorite holiday treats with their loved ones. Before indulging in your favorite seasonal foods and drinks, here are a few tips to protect your smile this season.

Sweets & Candy

Limit your intake to one small treat per day. Hard candies may be best for your teeth because they tend to dissolve slowly. Be sure to brush and floss after eating sweets or candy to remove food debris and plaque from the surface of your teeth. This will help prevent tooth decay from developing.

Limit Consumption of Soda & Alcohol

Choose water to quench your thirst instead of soda and alcohol. Water helps flush away harmful sugars and food debris from the teeth and gums while preventing dry mouth.

While enjoying those beverages, be sure to drink them through a straw to help minimize contact with your teeth. This helps reduce the risk of cavities and staining caused by acidic drinks.

Keep Your Smile Bright with Proper Oral Hygiene

Minimize the risk of cavities and gum disease by brushing your teeth every morning and evening for two minutes each session using a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

Don’t Forget to Floss Daily

If you aren’t flossing daily, now is the time to start. Flossing is the best way to remove plaque from between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. It also prevents cavities and other oral health issues by getting rid of the food particles that can get stuck between your teeth and cause problems.

Visit Your Dentist

The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is with regular checkups with your dentist. During your visit, your teeth will be cleaned and checked for any potential problems. If you spot any issues, they can be taken care of right away. So don’t skip out on your regular visits.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kossi, DDS, at Smile City Dental in Santa Clarita, California, to learn more tips for maintaining a healthy smile this upcoming year. You can reach us by calling (661) 252-8888, scheduling an appointment online, or visiting us at 19366 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 now.