The holidays bring office and home parties that are usually full of tempting sweets and sugary drinks. Those same sweets and drinks can also damage your dental and general health. But that doesn’t mean that you have to end up at the dentist with cavities in January.
At Simply Smiles Dental, we work with you to ensure that your dental health remains good during the holidays and that you greet the New Year with a bright, sunny smile.
The Effects of Sugar on Teeth
Tooth decay is caused by mouth bacteria ‘eating’ the same sugar you do, then producing acids that dissolve and damage the teeth. Tooth erosion results when the acid attacks the teeth dissolving the outer surface of tooth enamel. This loss can lead to cavities and exposure of the inner layers of the tooth that may become sensitive and painful.
The friendly professionals at Simply Smiles Dental are committed to your long-term oral health during the holidays and beyond.
Holiday Strategies to Improve Dental Health
These are strategies, not laws
In this world everybody slips up now and then. So, if you are going to “break” these rules? Consider bending them instead. Have a little bit of a delicious treat or drink. Then return to the straight and narrow!
- Never neglect flossing and brushing
- Avoid sugary, sticky foods
- Eat well generally
- Prepare alternatives to unhealthy snacks and drinks
- See Simply Smiles Dental in January
Brush twice a day and floss before bed. Make this a habit and stick to it. Brush for two minutes at a minimum. You can count in your head, hum, or use music to time your brushing. Another option is to buy an electronic toothbrush with a built-in timer.
Sugar-related damage occurs when sugary coating is allowed to remain on teeth. If you eat goodies that don’t leave sticky residue it reduces the risk of tooth damage. When you can, choose non-sticky food. If you eat sticky food brush your teeth, or at least rinse your mouth out, after eating.
You won’t be out at parties or work events most of time, so make your meals at home count. By eating well at home you leave less space for sugar-rich foods. Good nutrition also supports dental and general health.
You will come across holiday snacks and drinks. You can avoid the problem of eating and drinking rich, sugary items by bringing alternative snacks and drinks with you, or choosing the least sugary alternative you are offered.
Feel free to contact us and make an appointment for early in January. The small problems of January can become big problems later if not dealt with in a timely way. It’s sensible to get things checked and cleaned after the last of the seasonal fun to ensure that your New Year comes with a happy and healthy smile
Get a Full, Healthier Smile at Simply Smiles Dental
At Simply Smiles Dental, we aim to give you the smile of your dreams for the holidays and year-round.
Our office is in Toorak Village and serves patients from Toorak, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Southbank, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Malvern, Albert Park, Melbourne CBD, and other metro areas.
We are a Medibank and HCF Members Choice Dentist as well as an HCF Members Choice Dentist.
Contact us on (03) 9826 2220 or request an appointment online.
Our Special Offers
At Simply Smiles Dental, our goal is to make quality dental care affordable. To find out more, visit our special offers page today!