Good Oral Health Tips for Christmas

Christmas is a time to enjoy and spend time with family and friends. However, there are a few dental issues that can arise from overindulging in sweets during the holiday season. With the holidays approaching, here are some tips for keeping oral health a priority over the busy season!

• Remember to schedule six-month cleanings and exams to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Also, ask the dentist about fluoride treatments and mouthguards.
• When eating sugary foods, rinse your mouth with clean water to wash away the sugar and brush your teeth as soon as possible.
• If you’re traveling for the holidays, pack your toothbrush in your carry-on bag so you don’t forget it. Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is especially important when you’re on the go and don’t always have access to your toothbrush and other dental hygiene products.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dry mouth, which is typically caused by dehydration. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay since saliva is your body’s natural defense against cavities and bacteria.
• Don’t try to whiten your teeth using baking soda or other home whitening treatments. These at-home methods sometimes do more harm than good by damaging the enamel on your teeth and causing sensitivity. For example, if you’ve had braces in the past, you shouldn’t use baking soda since the abrasiveness of the chemical can scratch the fragile surface of teeth. It’s best to talk to your dentist before using a whitening treatment at home.
• Avoid chewing on ice or hard candies. The excessive wear and tear from consuming these foods/drinks can chip away at the surface of your teeth and cause cracks or fractures in your teeth. If you do consume these types of foods, be sure to drink a glass of water immediately after to avoid experiencing tooth sensitivity.
• Be sure to wear your retainer after your orthodontic treatment is complete to keep your teeth in their ideal position! Leaving the retainer out at night can cause your teeth to shift back to their original position, so wear the appliance as directed to prevent any setbacks to your orthodontic work.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at DTLA Smile, Los Angeles, CA, call (213) 688-2828 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist Los Angeles, CA, at 104 West 7th St, #2 Los Angeles, CA, 90014.