When October rolls around, most people start thinking about Halloween and all the sweet treats that come with the festivities. But dentists are clever, which is why they decided to also make it National Dental Hygiene Month. Balance, right? Before your family is overloaded with chocolates, gummies, and all manner of delicious sugar, make sure to keep these three simple-but-effective tips in mind so that your smiles stay healthy throughout the holiday season.
A Tip for Adults: Try Your Coffee Black (or Blacker)
While coffee is well-known for being a common culprit behind dental staining, it’s actually not that bad for your teeth health-wise. The beverage is mostly water, that is, until you add a bunch of syrup, cream, and sugar to it. These additions are what can make this beverage both delicious and a bigger contributor to cavities and gum disease.
So what can you do? Try drinking your coffee black, or if that doesn’t suit you, just limit the amount of sugar and cream you use. This way, you can still enjoy your morning (and afternoon) boost while notably reducing your risk for dental decay. If you don’t like your “usual” without add-ins, maybe change things up to find a brew you prefer on its own—this could open up new horizons in your morning routine!
A Tip for Kids (& Parents): A Little Goes a Long Way
It’s not just Halloween that can be tough on someone’s oral health. It’s quickly followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas, and countless holiday gatherings in between. While everyone celebrates the occasion differently, the common denominator tends to be delicious (but sugar-laden) food.
While you might think your dentist would prefer you to give up all sweets, that’s not true! The key is to not overindulge in a single sitting. That means doling out your kids’ Halloween candy a few pieces at a time rather than gorging the night of Trick-or-Treating. Making sure everyone eats a full, healthy meal before any kind of dessert will naturally help someone cut down on the kinds of items that contribute to cavities.
A Tip for Everyone: A Realistic Way to Start Flossing
Ideally, you should be flossing at least once in the evening and maybe after lunch (this is a great tip to ensure you have fresh breath right after a meal). But the truth is that only about 30% of Americans floss regularly, let alone daily. This leaves the small spaces between the teeth that your brush can’t reach unclean, which greatly heightens the chance of developing dental problems.
Rather than pressuring yourself to start flossing every day after not doing it regularly, try starting gradually. Floss once or twice a week, perhaps every other day. Your gums might feel a bit sensitive and even bleed at first, but that’s because they are likely inflamed due to an overabundance of harmful oral bacteria. This should subside after a week or so, and then you can slowly start flossing more often. After doing it a few times, most people are shocked by how much food they remove, so this motivates them to keep going.
The great thing about National Oral Hygiene Month is that these tips can serve you and your family year-round, ensuring you spend less time in the dental chair and more making memories with loved ones.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk has taken care of Oklahoma City families for over 30 years. In that time, he has helped thousands of patients avoid the need for more advanced dental work just using simple checkups and cleanings alongside our excellent hygiene team. If you’re eager to safeguard your smile and health ahead of the holidays, click here or call Grand Dental Studio at (405) 848-3719.