Oral health at Christmas

As we come out of our second lockdown and move into a tier system with a few more freedoms, many of us are excited about the prospect of spending Christmas with our loved ones. While the festivities might not be on the usual the scale, with the way 2020 has gone, any glimmer of normality will be gratefully received and definitely enjoyed!

So, with Christmas at the forefront of our minds, we thought it would be a good idea to provide some of our top tips for ensuring that your oral health isn’t forgotten in all the excitement of the big day.

Stick to a routine
It can be easy to fall out of a routine during the festive period. With time off work and school, all sense of normality goes out the window. Sticking to your usual oral care regime is crucial for keeping your smile in check, so don’t let your morning and evening brushing fall by the wayside… and check up on your little ones too!

Avoid grazing
With plenty of festive food around, it’s tempting to snack and graze on the buffet all day. However, where possible, we advise sticking to mealtimes only. This is because every time you eat and drink, your teeth come under acid attack and the time between meals allows your saliva to neutralise this acid. Constant grazing means constant attack, leaving the enamel weakened, which can lead to cavities.

Wait to brush
Always wait 30-60 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. This allows your mouth enough time to naturally remineralise the tooth enamel after food… brushing when your enamel is in a weakened state can potentially do more harm than good.

Toys over treats
It’s easy to fall into the trap of indulging little ones with sweet treats but we all know that sugar is detrimental to oral and overall health. Instead of filling your kids’ Christmas stocking with chocolate and sweets, opt for small toys and other fun items instead. Or even better, think of days out and experiences they can look forward to instead… we’ve all missed out on those this year!

Jewels not tools
We only get one set of adult teeth so it is important to treat them like jewels. Keep them clean by brushing twice a day, floss at least once a day and never, ever use them as tools! Opening bottles, tearing off labels and ripping tape when gift wrapping should never be done with your precious teeth… there are plenty of other ways to do these jobs that will keep your teeth intact.

Give yourself the gift of good oral health
Are you due a check-up or hygiene visit? Book it and stick to it! Think of your regular appointments as an act of self-care and something that you deserve. It’s important to attend these so that we can ensure everything is looking good and provide advice where required. We can also spot anything that could potentially lead to a bigger problem if left untreated… it’s easier, less painful and less expensive to treat a problem in the early stages! Book your dental health assessment and oral cancer screening appointment today by calling us on 01494 528 153 or email us at [email protected]

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year