Tis’ the season for giving and indulging in the deliciously tempting festive treats. While it’s the most wonderful time of the year, you wouldn’t want your teeth and gums to suffer from post-festive blues. Here are 5 tips to help you celebrate Christmas while not putting your oral health at risk.
Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes
When brushing, try not to rush through it. Proper brushing takes at least 2 minutes, with approximately 30 seconds on each of the four sides of your mouth, i.e. upper left, upper right, bottom left and bottom right sections. Use a timer, or hum a Christmas tune such as “Jingle Bells”. We recommend:
BrushCare Slim – Soft, slim, microfine bristles with polished end-rounded tips to gently brush out plaque while protecting your enamel
Extra Gentle Hypoallergenic Fluoride Toothpaste – clinically tested to be hypoallergenic. It does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Parabens or other harsh ingredients and is suitable for all in the family to use.
Control your intake of sugary foods
Christmas cakes, mud pies or even the peppermint candy canes may satisfy your taste buds but their high sugar content create a bacteria-prone environment that can cause cavities. Make sure you brush and floss after getting your sugar rush, or at least rinse your mouth to wash away the acidic effects. We recommend:
Fluorinze™ Alcohol Free Fluoride Mouth Rinse – contains a combination of Fluoride and Xylitol to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your tooth enamel.
Have some sugarless gum
Chewing on sugarless gum can help increase the production of saliva flow which can help wash away the acids in your mouth produced by the bacteria in your mouth, preventing tooth decay. Note that chewing on sugarless gum is not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Use a bottle opener
Do not use your teeth to open beer bottles or plastic packages. You are actually doing more harm than good, such actions can cause your teeth to chip or even pull your teeth out right from its root. Remember that your teeth aren’t tools, so always prepare an extra set of bottle openers and scissors.
Say cheese
Christmas isn’t complete without the traditional cheese platter, and you know you can tuck into it with no worries. Not only do cheese have high calcium content, it also helps to regulate your mouth’s acidity and reduce the risk of tooth decay.