With the festive season here, you will probably be tempted to eat and drink more, which can be bad for your oral health. We generally find that people’s teeth and gums usually take a hit during this time of the year, as snacking, parties and dinners increase in numbers. It is important to know how to maintain good oral health, especially if you plan on eating and drinking more unhealthy things.

Top ways to protect your teeth and gums:

Brush your teeth:

It is essential that you brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque that has accumulated throughout the day or overnight. Brushing cleans your teeth and gums, to prevent tooth decay and chances of gum disease. It is best to use a soft-bristle toothbrush as hard-bristles can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Further, it is recommended to use a toothpaste which contains fluoride, as fluoride helps to harden enamel and reduce the risk of decay.

Flossing daily:

This is an important part of your oral care routine, as you should floss every day to remove food debris that has become stuck between your teeth. Leaving food between your teeth increases tooth decay and chances of gum disease. It is best to floss in the evening before bed, to remove food debris, as while we sleep there is less saliva to protect our teeth and gums from plaque and debris.

Limit sugary foods:

You should aim to cut down on sugar, as sugar is the main reason for causing tooth decay. The bacteria in plaque, uses sugar to create acid that eats through our enamel (your tooth’s protective layer). Knowing this, you should try to avoid the high sugar content found in lollies, sweets and other desserts.

Limit sugary and acidic drinks:

It’s best to avoid soft drinks altogether as they contain extremely high sugar levels. Other drinks such as juices that are acidic and contain sugar are also damaging and should be consumed less frequently, while remembering to use water to flush out excess acids and sugar. Alcoholic beverages should be consumed responsibly as they are harmful to our oral health. Sparkling wines in particular should be avoided if possible, as they contain acids and carbonation which causes tooth decay and a condition where the tooth begins to come away from the gum.

Keep grazing to a minimum:

Grazing on food for a prolonged period of time is harmful to our teeth as it does not allow teeth time to heal between consumption. Grazing means your teeth are constantly under acid attacks, which increases the effects of tooth decay.

Keep up with your routine:

Make sure to keep up with your oral health care routine over Christmas. This includes brushing, flossing, rinsing and using mouthwash daily if you have it. Staying away from certain foods is also a part of your routine! At Marriott and Hand, our friendly team wants you to maintain your freshest smile and good oral health. We offer a range of treatments from general dentistry and cleans up to more involved dental treatments. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us here.