It’s both the best and worst time of the year if you have a sweet tooth. Treats seem to be everywhere all the time throughout the holidays. While they might taste great now, too much could easily lead to cavities in the not-too-distant future. How can you fully enjoy the season without feeling like you’re depriving yourself? Thankfully, there is a smart way to balance both your taste buds and oral health.
Chocolate is Your Friend
You thought this blog was just going to be a list of items you should avoid, right? Instead, let this give you permission to enjoy (a reasonable amount of) chocolate. Why? Because when it comes to tooth decay, it’s not just the amount of sugar you consume that matters, but how long it stays on your teeth. Sticky items linger and are more likely to lead to damage, while chocolate melts quickly.
Avoid Grazing
Rather than having a hot chocolate here, a cookie there, and then maybe some dessert later, try to consume your sweets in a single sitting. Expanding on the point from above, this reduces the length of time your teeth are exposed to sugar, which dramatically lowers the chances of decay.
A Quick Rinse
Something as simple as rinsing your mouth after having sweets can make a big difference. Just a few swishes are all that’s needed to wash away the excess sugar and food particles that are the source of cavities. Even better, if you use tap water, it contains fluoride that actively strengthens your enamel.
Pair with Meals
It’s easy to overindulge in sweets if you’re hungry. What starts as a snack quickly turns into a meal-sized amount of cookies or brownies—everyone has done it! An easy rule to apply is that you can only have sweets after you’ve eaten a more typical meal.
This works for you in a few different ways. Firstly, you’ll be fuller, so you’ll naturally consume fewer sweets. Plus, the meal will activate your salivary glands, meaning your mouth will do a better job of breaking down any sugar so it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
On top of keeping up with your daily brushing and flossing, this is all you really need to do to keep your sugar intake in check without feeling deprived. So go and enjoy the random plate of treats that appear at the office or the various sweets at parties—it’s the holidays after all! But by following a few simple tips, you can make sure your smile stays healthy and strong heading into the new year.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk has dedicated his 30+ year career to serving Oklahoma City. Over the decades, he’s built countless connections throughout the city and become the go-to expert for routine, cosmetic, and implant dentistry, creating a real dental home that his patients can rely on.
Is your smile ready for the holidays? Whether it’s time for a checkup, you want whitening for photos, or you simply want to take advantage of your insurance benefits before they reset in January, just click here to request an appointment.
