The festive season is underway with plenty of indulgent treats that can be difficult to avoid and resist. At Brickfields Dental Care, we’re giving you 12 days of Christmas tips to get you through the celebratory period whilst minimising the risk of dental decay…
1. Drink lots of water
Whilst there may be lots of Christmas punch, fizzy drinks, red wine, coffee and hot chocolate to drink, make sure you drink water throughout the day. This will help clean your mouth out and produce more saliva, which helps keep your mouth healthy.
2. Limit the sweets and chocolates
Sugar causes decay, cavities, tooth loss and gum disease so go easy on the sweet things! Switch to healthier alternatives such as carrot sticks, cucumbers, raw vegetables, cheese, nuts and dips.
3. Avoid using your teeth for odd jobs
Many people use their teeth for opening bottles, cutting cellotape, cracking nuts and opening boxes over Christmas which can lead to chipped and cracked teeth and bleeding gums. Using scissors and bottle openers may be a better option!
4. Eat more turkey
High protein foods such as chicken or turkey combined with calcium and vitamin D helps strengthen teeth and bones.
5. Don’t brush after drinking sparkling wine
Remember that you shouldn’t brush your teeth straight after drinking fizzy wines such as prosecco or champagne as you will be spreading the acid and sugar all around your mouth.
6. Stick to your regular oral care regime
With all the parties and socialising over Christmas, it is easy to forget about things like your oral hygiene, especially with late nights and mornings. Remember to continue brushing twice a day and floss regularly to help keep your teeth in tip top condition.
7. Limit grazing
It is tempting to eat lots of food through the festive period – but this can put your teeth at risk of decay. Try alternative activities like going for a walk, which can help digestion after a meal, or do some puzzles or board games to keep your mind off food.
8. Chew sugar-free gum after eating
This helps neutralise acidity in the mouth and increase saliva flow which helps prevent plaque and wash away food particles.
9. Ask for an electric toothbrush this Christmas
They are more effective at cleaning, reaching hard-to-access corners of your mouth and removing plaque. Ask our Brickfields Dental Care staff for their recommendations and keep an eye out for our FREE electric toothbrush GIVEAWAY this Christmas 2022 on Instagram.
10. Get a good mouthwash
Using mouthwash helps reduce bacteria in your mouth which in turn reduces the amount of plaque that forms on your teeth.
11. Make 2023 your year for a sparkling new smile
If you’ve always dreamt of a beautiful smile, now is the time to consider it. Life is too short to have a smile you want to hide, and Brickfields Dental Care in Chelmsford has a range of options and treatments including implants, teeth whitening, veneers and much more.
12. Book an appointment with us
A consultation with our Essex dental specialists will put you on your way to a happier, healthier smile. So, don’t wait, give us a call now!
Make 2023 your year for a sparkling new smile and book an appointment by calling us on 01245 328 060 or contacting us here.
