Protecting Your Teeth from the Sweet Christmas Treats 

Christmastime only comes once a year, so of course you should enjoy your favorite treats. The good news is that you can protect your teeth from the sugar you eat this holiday season. Here is how to care for your teeth — and how the sugar can affect your teeth if you don’t. 

The Effects of Sugar on Your Smile

When we are little, we hear people tell us time and time again that if we eat too much sugar we’re going to get a cavity, but is that true? The truth is, sugar isn’t the problem, but the bacteria it can cause is. Everyone has bacteria in their mouths. However, as the American Dental Association explains on their MouthHealthy blog, everyone also gets harmful bacteria in their mouths from the sugar they consume. Bacteria can thrive on sugar, so when we eat a sweet treat, the bad bacteria gets the energy to multiple. In this process, the sugar produces an acid, which can damage teeth, cause cavities, and even lead to tooth loss. 

Enjoying Christmas Treats 

We know that you want to enjoy the sweet treats that come along with the holiday season, so do we! However, if you’re going to indulge in all of your festive favorites, it’s important to care for your smile quickly after enjoying them. However, as Colgate explains, there are ways you can take precautions to still enjoy your favorite sweets in a responsible way. They suggest to:

• Brush frequently. If you brush after eating a sweet teat, you can help keep your teeth healthy. When you eat, your enamel weakens due to acid. With this said, if you brush too soon after eating you can damage your teeth. Try to wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after enjoying your food. 
• Drink water. Staying hydrated can help keep you healthy and your sweet tooth at bay, but it can also help wash away sugar from your mouth and prevent giving the bacteria energy to feed off of. If you aren’t close to a toothbrush to clean your teeth with after having a sweet snack, drink water to help remove bacteria and stimulate saliva production, which in turn prevents sugar from attaching itself to your teeth. 
• Skip processed foods. When you enjoy a homemade treat, you can rest assured typically knowing that there aren’t sources of hidden sugar. If you’re going to enjoy processed foods, hidden sugar could be lurking. Be sure to read your ingredients label before consuming to see just how much sugar you’re really taking in. 
• Indulge occasionally. As we said, Christmastime only comes once a year, so we say go ahead and indulge in your favorite treats. You don’t have to eliminate sugar once and for all to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy your treats, just care for your teeth afterwards. 

Caring for Your Smile Year-Round

The holidays are fun and usually are a welcomed change of pace for our lives. However, one thing that shouldn’t change is how you care for your teeth. No matter the time of the year, properly caring for your teeth is essential to your oral and overall health. Follow these tips to keep a healthy smile each and every day:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time. Do not brush more or less than this, unless instructed by your dentist. 
• Floss at least once per day to remove any food lodged between your teeth. When food gets stuck between your teeth, it usually can’t be removed by brushing alone. 
• Use fluoride. By using a toothpaste with fluoride or enjoying fluoridated tap water if you have access to it, you can help prevent cavities from developing in your mouth. 
• See your dentist. One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to make an appointment for a teeth cleaning and exam every six months at your dentist. The dentist can see areas of your mouth that aren’t visible to your own eyes, which is important in making sure that you maintain your oral health. 

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

This holiday season, Stonebrook Family Dental wants you to enjoy the festive food you know and love. When you eat your sweet treats, just remember to thoroughly clean your mouth afterwards. If you feel a cavity developing, or feel like you just need a deep cleaning for the holiday season, make an appointment with our dentist Dr. Kevin Varley today. Call us now at (303)-873-7907.