Ah! Christmas. While we may not be giving you a partridge in a pear tree, we do have something better! Tips for a healthy Christmas and happy teeth.
3 THINGS TEETH SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR
1. Opening bottles
There are things your teeth are designed to do. Opening bottles isn’t one of them. Your teeth are not indestructible.
2. Tearing packets, presents, thread, or tape
You need a pair of scissors but there isn’t one handy, so you use your teeth. Don’t! You’d be surprised how much damage this can cause.
3. Chew hard nuts, sweets, or sticky toffee
Chomping done on something hard can crack the enamel of your teeth. Sticky, sugary things can lodge between your teeth. The bacteria will be so pleased they’ll throw a party and start eating their way through your teeth!
HERE’S 9 THINGS TO DO TO HAVE TERRIFIC TEETH OVER CHRISTMAS
1. Visit your dentist before the festivities start
Many post-Christmas dental problems could be prevented with a pre-season check-up. A dodgy filling will be under strain thanks to all the snacking on nuts and hard sweets, and the unusually gargantuan meals on offer. If you can’t do that this year, remember to do it next year!
2. Hum while you brush
Everyone knows they’re supposed to brush their teeth correctly for 2 minutes. Humming your favourite carol or other festive season song will help and make brushing fun. Don’t brush after drinking bubbly. Wait at least an hour or two.
3. Keep on flossing
Over this particular holiday, you will probably be eating far more than usual. Flossing after every meal will help you to keep your mouth healthy.
4. Feast on the good stuff
Snack on healthy options. Fruit chunks, veggie crudités, cheese and turkey toothpicks, sweet, small Rosa tomatoes, with yummy dips like roasted red pepper hummus, peanut butter dip, blueberries, strawberries etc.
5. Turkey is best
Out of all the meats that you can eat over Christmas, the best is turkey. It has protein which contains phosphorous. Phosphorous is a Christmas present for your teeth and bones!
6. Turn wine into water
Wine, with its high sugar content isn’t great for your teeth at the best of times. Red wine also stains your teeth a horrible grey colour. Instead, it’s a good idea to up your water intake over Christmas to flush the food particles and the bacteria out of your mouth.
7. Cut the snacking
Pack the food away after a meal and limit the bowls of crisps, nuts, chocolates, and sweets around the house. It may seem un-Christmassy, but your teeth will thank you.
8. Turn food into family fun
Reconnect with family and friends and host games evenings, out-door activities that you usually don’t have time for, instead of yet another meal.
9. Have toothbrush, will travel
Unplanned adventures can happen on the spur of the moment. Make sure you have a complete dental-care pack ready now. Include new toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and any other treatments you’re currently undergoing. That way, when the call comes, you’re ready!
Make an appointment today and make sure you’re teeth and Christmas ready. Contact us on 0508 TEAM DENTAL.