Now that November has begun, the holiday season is around the corner and with it comes a number of meals and holiday favorites high in sugar and starch. For many, this could mean you have a higher risk of starting 2025 with cavities. But your Columbia, TN, dentist talks about what steps you can take to protect your smiles during the holiday season.
The Risks Posed by Holiday Sugar and Starch
Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole stuffing, and biscuits and muffins are just a few examples of items with a lot of starch in them. There are also pies, cookies, and cakes that contain lots of sugar. Starch and sugar tend to cling to the teeth or become trapped between them, left for harmful oral bacteria to consume, a process that creates the plaque buildup behind tooth decay and gum disease. We don’t want you to avoid your favorite dishes, but we want to make sure you can take care to limit your cavity risk. For example, follow these with a glass of water to help rinse away the trapped particles. Try to add fresh fruits and veggies to your plate too, as items like carrots, broccoli, and apples can help rinse away plaque and trapped particles.
Helping Smiles From Home
Immediately after your big holiday meal, excuse yourself to go floss so you can remove these trapped particles right away, before bacteria has the chance to consume them. During this season, be sure you continue to brush your teeth when you wake up and then again before going to bed, for two minutes each session and using a fluoride toothpaste. Every evening you also need to floss to remove the trapped food particles too. These actions help protect your smile from cavities and periodontal concerns.
See Our Team and Use Your Benefits
When the holiday season is in full swing, this could mean you are simply too busy to see us for a checkup or to receive treatment. But if you schedule a visit now, we can help ensure you end 2024 with a bright and healthy smile. You also have a chance to use your 2024 dental benefits and health savings account funds before they expire at the end of December. If you have any questions about protecting your smile during the holiday season, or if you want to make an appointment, then contact our team today to learn more.
Learn More About Preserving Your Smile With Creekside Family Dentistry!
We want to help you enjoy a smile free of issues like tooth decay and even gum disease, so you can smile with confidence all year round. Give us a call today at Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN at (931) 388-3384 to schedule your appointment!
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