Ways To Decrease Your Chances Of Developing A Cavity This Holiday Season

Dentist Blog

The holiday season can be rough on your teeth. You are eating more sugar than normally and since you are so busy, you may spend less time cleaning and caring for your teeth. Fortunately, there are a few and easy ways that can you can decrease your chances of developing a cavity this holiday season. Here are three tips to help you get through the holidays cavity-free. 

Remember to Brush and Floss Regularly

During the holiday season, it is easy to forget to brush and floss your teeth routinely. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss daily. While most people remember to brush their teeth when they wake up, it is easy to put it off before bed, especially if you are tired after attending a late night holiday party. Always take the couple of extra minutes to brush your teeth. Not only will this help to prevent cavities, but it can help to remove food particles from your teeth, such as red wine and coffee, that may lead to staining that cause yellow teeth. 

Incorporate Baking Soda Into Your Tooth Care Routine

Many people indulge in more treats during the holiday season. You may find yourself drinking your favorite peppermint coffee, eating holiday cookies or eating Christmas candy. The bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay thrive on sugar. As such, it is extremely important to neutralize the bacteria in your mouth after indulging in holiday treats. Brushing your teeth with baking soda or rinsing with a mix of water and baking soda helps to neutralize acid in your mouth, which helps to kill bad bacteria. Baking soda also helps to freshen your breath and whiten your teeth. 

Chew Gum With Xylitol

The last tip that can help you to decrease your chances of developing a cavity this holiday season is to grab a piece of gum that is sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar replacement that has been shown to help stimulate saliva in your mouth. Not only does this help to fight off bacteria that can cause cavities, but it also helps to freshen your breath. If you have been eating sugary foods and can't brush your teeth right away, pop in a piece of gum with xylitol in it. 

Despite your best efforts, you cannot prevent every cavity from forming. If you are experiencing sudden sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks or you are experiencing pain in a tooth, you may have a cavity. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible to get the tooth looked at as quickly as possible and to be filled, if needed. 

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4 November 2018