Nothing compares to the special spirit of Christmas. Everyone is kinder, more generous, and more inclined to indulge in good things, and some that may be a little less so. It’s with great appreciation for your health that we remind you to take care of your teeth during the holiday festivities. Nothing says bah humbug like a cavity or a dental emergency.
Planes, trains, and automobiles
If you’re flying the friendly skies, riding Amtrak, or hopping a Greyhound, be sure to pack travel-sized toothpaste, floss, and a toothbrush with your carry-on baggage. Brushing your teeth during a long trip is a nice way to feel refreshed. If you have room, take a little mouthwash, too!
Need a drink?
Cut back on the soda and alcohol this month and reach for the water. Good old H2O prevents dry mouth, washes out leftover food particles, and rinses away bad bacteria.
Candy Can’ts
We only eat them once a year so enjoy those Candy Canes in moderation. As with any hard candy, these decorative sweets can wreak havoc on your teeth with lingering sugar and the possibility for a chipped tooth.
Stuffing Stockings?
Make room for some healthy alternatives in the stockings this year. Apples instead of a bag of gummy worms and a toothbrush in place of a candy bar. (They’ll thank you one day.)
Need a Snack?
Is the breakroom at work overflowing with cookies and cakes? Take some carrots and sliced pears to the office with you. When that afternoon tummy growl comes on, you can snack on something with crunch rather than something that will stick to your teeth.
Keep Your Routine
Routines are hard enough. Add in the hectic holidays and it makes it even more difficult to maintain. Making sure you brush and floss at least twice a day is especially important to your overall health. Think of your daily oral regimen as “me time.”
Enjoy
Celebrate this special season with those you cherish most. This time of year means so much to so many. Help a stranger, help your neighbors, and if you can help someone in need.
From all of us at Asheville Dental, we wish you the best the holidays have to offer.
