Seems like we were just warning you about the pitfalls of Halloween. Now we’re warning you about the pitfalls of indulging in those traditional holiday mainstays — the candy canes, the hot cocoa, the wine with kith and kin. We know that maybe we can sound a little bit like a downer during the holiday seasons, but it’s important to look after your teeth and keep your oral health habits going strong this time of year.
Don’t just save your oral health for your New Year’s Resolution. Here are some ways that you can ensure you spend your time with family and friends, instead of at our office getting a root canal or treating a cracked tooth.
We thought we’d start with something positive. We don’t want to just be telling you what you can’t have. Turkey is one holiday food that’s actually great for your teeth. Turkey is rich in both phosphorus and protein, which both assist in fighting tooth decay.
Carrots, cucumber, celery, cherry tomatoes, and other healthy vegetables are preferable to most of the other items being offered during Christmas and Thanksgiving. Veggies are healthier options than, say, sugary foods like cookies and peanut brittle (which can often crack teeth). Even fruits like raspberries and blueberries should be eaten mindfully because of the high sugar content. Make sure you brush your teeth or at the very least rinse out your mouth afterwards, because the sugars and acids in these fruits will go to work on your teeth and enamel.
Don’t just continuously snack during the holidays (also called “grazing”), as tempting as it may be. If you plan your meals and snack times to allow brushing after you eat or drink, your teeth will certainly thank you. Keep a strong routine to make sure your pearly whites are shining for those holiday pictures.
We know, bummer. Hot cocoa is loaded with sugar and so is wine. Drinking water is healthier and you won’t be the drunk person at the party, which is always a win in our book. Drinking less sugary beverages never hurt anybody, either. If you wish to indulge, moderation is key.
We hope that these suggestions help you in your journey to great oral health. If you experience sharp tooth pain, a cracked tooth, a painful bite, a chipped tooth, or most any other dental emergency, give us a call today. Our team of endodontists is here to help you at NYC Endodontics.