8 TIPS FOR AN AWESOME, DENTIST FREE, CHRISTMAS.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. There’s no reason not to thoroughly enjoy yourself as you celebrate. But for your teeth, it’s a nightmare. Here’s 8 Tips on taking care of your teeth while still enjoying the season.
TIP 1: DON’T FORGET TO BRUSH AND FLOSS!
With all the lovely, delicious and often sweet food and snacks that we feast on over this festive season our teeth are under attack! So, it’s vital that you keep brushing and flossing at least twice a day! Don’t forget to use mouthwash as added protection.
TIP 2: MINIMISE THE DAMAGE!
Christmas is filled with mince pies, chocolate, wine, sweet and salty snacks, all of which is delicious. Instead of snacking until you’re too stuffed to do anything more enthusiastic than operate the TV remote, rather, enjoy the feast in moderation and only at meal times. Snacking continually is not just bad for your health, but your teeth as well.
TIP 3: DON’T DRINK TOO MUCH!
Filled with parties and dinners the chances are that Christmas will also have its fair share of alcohol. Alcohol is bad for your teeth for three reasons – it’s full of acid and sugar. Acid will eat away your teeth’s enamel and sugar will rot your teeth. Mixers are even more sugar laden. The third reason? Alcohol dehydrates your body, reducing your saliva.
TIP 4: DRINK ENOUGH!
Our Christmasses are sunny and hot. It’s vital that you keep properly hydrated. A dry mouth means there’s not enough saliva in your mouth to neutralise acids and germs in your mouth. Water, as always is the best way to rehydrate. Avoid energy or sport drinks as they are loaded with sugar.
TIP 5: DON’T CHEW ICE!
It may seem like a good way to stay hydrated, but ice has a high compressive strength and your teeth can’t really cope. Chewing ice may cool you down, but it’s damaging your teeth creating small fractures in them.
TIP 6: HAVE ANY DENTAL ISSUES SEEN TO BEFORE CHRISTMAS!
Makes sense, right? Any issues with your teeth are going to be exacerbated by the extra food and alcohol you’ll be consuming. Get them seen to before the festivities begin. Contact us today to make an appointment.
TIP 7: MAKE HEALTHIER SNACK CHOICES!
Go for nuts rather than crisps. Nuts have both calcium and vitamin D which are good for the health of your teeth. If you’re snacking while drinking, munch on cheese. It’s a rich source of calcium as well as being a great way to counter the effects of acid as it helps kill bacteria by balancing the PH in your mouth. Snack less. If nothing else, think of your waist line and your teeth will thank you.
TIP 8: CONTACT YOUR DENTIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Contact your dentist as soon as you can if you have a dental emergency. There’s no better way to ruin your Christmas than being in pain. If you normally visit another dentist but they are closed, call us and make an appointment.
WHEN WILL WE BE OPEN OVER CHRISTMAS?
Over the Christmas period between 22 December 2017 and 8 January 2018, three of Team Dental’s surgeries will be open on the following days and at these times:
TAURANGA
Closed: Christmas Day
Open every other day as follows:
Weekdays 9am – 6pm
Weekends: 10am – 4pm
Public Holidays (but not Christmas Day as we are closed then): 10am – 4pm
Contact Details:
Call: 07 571 1230
Address: 19 Second Avenue
Tauranga 3110
RICCARTON
Closed: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Open every other day as follows:
Weekdays: Monday 9am – 6pm. Tuesday – Thursday 9am – 8pm. Friday 9am – 6pm
Weekends: 10am – 4pm
Public holidays (but not Christmas Day or New Year’s Day as we are closed then): 10am – 4pm.
Call: 03 341 1122
Address: 78 Riccarton Rd,
Riccarton,
Christchurch 8041
WHANGAREI
Closed: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Open every other day as follows:
Weekdays: 8.30am – 5pm
Weekends: 10am – 1pm
Public holidays (but not Christmas Day or New Year’s Day as we are closed then): 10am – 1pm.
Call: 09 438 4760
Address: 34 – 48 Reyburn St,
Whangarei 0110