A PHOTO-WORTHY SMILE
Especially during the holidays, your smile is being put on display. From the work Christmas party to family photos, follow these simple tips to keep your smile looking and feeling great during the holiday season.
1) Limit sugary drinks.
Yes, we all love a little eggnog or hot chocolate this time of year. Just remember to drink these and other sugary drinks in moderation. Drinking water after consuming a sweet beverage can also help keep your teeth healthier and free of cavities.
2) Reach for the crunchy veggies.
Mom’s homemade cookies are impossible to resist. So is grandma’s fudge, we know! Try reaching for a few carrots and broccoli first. We promise the desserts will still be just as good, but if you’ve already got some food in your stomach, you’ll be less likely to eat quite as many cookies. Your teeth (and skinny jeans) will thank you.
3) Alternate your wine and water.
Red wine is a common beverage of choice over the holidays. Wine, especially red wine, can stain your teeth. Alternating between glasses of wine and water will help you to consume less dark wine and give your teeth a little break. Red is a beautiful holiday color, no doubt.. just not a color you want on your teeth!
4) Don’t skimp on your brushing routine.
Late parties and family gatherings can make skipping the bedtime brushing routine sound tempting. Don’t cheat yourself (or your teeth!) on this one. Remove all the debris and reward your teeth by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste before dozing off.
5) Keep your dental appointments.
It’s a busy time of year, for sure. But don’t compromise your smile by skipping your regularly scheduled dental cleaning. Nobody wants a toothache during Thanksgiving dinner! Your dentist can help detect potential tooth problems before they happen… meaning you can fix them and get on with life (and your favorite thanksgiving dishes).
Bottom line? Don’t be afraid to indulge a little, but make smart choices about caring for your teeth. You deserve to have a smile that shines as bright as the holiday lights this year! Call our dental office in the heart of beautiful Billings, MT to get scheduled!
