Give Yourself the Gift of Dental Care for the Holidays 

Good dental care is a way that you can make sure you enjoy the holiday season — and all the cookies and hot cocoa involved! You don’t want to suffer from a painful cavity or tooth sensitivity this month — and you don’t have to! Here is how our team at Stonebrook Family Dental can help prepare your teeth for the holiday season (plus what you can do for yourself at home!) 

The Risks of Sweets

The biggest risk of overdoing it on the sweets during the holidays is the risk of developing cavities and other dental care issues. You have heard that sugar is bad for your teeth, but do you know why? Sugar on its own isn’t the issue, however, it’s what happens after the sugar is in your mouth that’s the problem. 

Your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. Some you need to stay healthy, while others harm your health. Studies have proven that certain harmful bacteria feed off of sugar and produce acids when you eat it. These acids eat away at the minerals from the tooth enamel, which is the protective outer layer of each tooth. When this happens, it’s known as demineralization. To fight this, your saliva and it’s minerals, calcium and phosphate, along with the toothpaste you use and water you drink, help the enamel repair itself and restrengthen your teeth. Healthline explains, however, that overtime the repeated cycle of acid attacks causes mineral loss in the enamel. Over time, this can weaken and attack the enamel, forming a cavity. A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay. It’s caused by the harmful bacteria that occurs after you digest sugary foods. When you leave a cavity left untreated, it can cause painful symptoms and can even lead to tooth loss. 

What Can I do to Prevent Cavities? 

Preventing cavities means working to prevent your tooth from developing a hole. This hole develops over a period of time, and is the result of tooth decay. While a cavity might be occurring, there are things that you can do at home to stop cavities from developing. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research offers tips on what you can do at home: 

• Use fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that can fight tooth decay and prevent it from progressing. It’s been shown to even reverse, or stop, early signs of tooth decay. It works to protect teeth by preventing mineral loss in tooth enamel and replacing lost minerals. Additionally, it reduces the ability of bacteria to make acid. You can find fluoride in drinking fluoridated water if you have access to it and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist will also be able to provide more fluoride if needed in a variety of different forms. 
• Watch what you eat. Every time you enjoy something that contains sugar or starches, bacteria in your mouth will use that to produce acids. Your saliva can work to fight this acid attack, however it’s best to limit the amount of sweet treats you consume for special occasions (like the holidays!)
• Brush your teeth the right way. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day can help you prevent cavities. You should be brushing your teeth for two minutes in the morning and again at night. 
• Learn about sealants. Dental sealants are a good way to avoid a cavity. They are thin, plastic coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. 
• See your dentist for regular checkups. During the visit, your teeth will get a deep cleaning and you will get a full dental exam to check for early signs of cavities and other issues. 

Checkups with Stonebrook Family Dental 

It’s hard to see all areas of your mouth with your own two eyes. Due to this, you need to be seeing the dentist often for regular checkups. Dental checkups can help you keep your mouth healthy and it can help you avoid problems. While most dental check ups consist of routine cleaning and exams, you might also need further treatment depending on the status of your current oral health. Here’s what you can expect to do at your checkup:

• Share your medical history so we know if you are more prone to certain dental health problems.
• A cleaning of your teeth, gums, and mouth. If you have signs of gum disease, a deeper cleaning will be provided. 
• Have a dental exam to examine your teeth for signs of tooth decay and cavities. 
• An oral cancer screening to make sure your mouth is free of any lesions or areas of concern. 
• Diagnosis and further treatment planning. 

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

Dr. Kevin Varley with Stonebrook Family Dental has many years of dental experience and is here for all of you and your family’s needs year round. During the holidays or in the middle of summer, get the best dental care possible with Stonebrook Family Dental.