The holiday season is finally here. At the Costa Rica Dental Team we want you to enjoy this joyful time without worrying about your teeth. We also know this is a busy time of the year, packed with activities, family, good food and parties. To keep your smile healthy, we have put together 7 tips to avoid situations which may put a toll on these festivities.
- Do not let you get distracted from daily teeth cleaning routines. We know sometimes going to bed late or rushing between activities can alter your schedules, but remember to find time to clean your teeth twice or thrice a day. This will be through brushing, flossing, and using a mouth wash. This is especially important if you are exposed to high sugar or starch foods.
- Be cautious of hard candy. It is common to see hard candy available during the holidays in the form of candy canes and peppermints. Try to never chew on these until they are more than 80% dissolved in your mouth. Biting down into candies can easily fracture your teeth. Even if the fracture is not visible, it may cause microfractures that make the tooth brittle. Then the tooth will chip or break at a later date. Actually, it is very common to hear patients broke a tooth or crown while eating something soft, without realizing that the fracture was in reality caused sometimes a long time before then. Biting on nuts is also a common cause for tooth fracture.
- Clear soda is a major cause for stains; try to avoid it as much as possible. Even though it may seem clear soda is colorless, it contains acids that open the pores of your enamel and allow other drinks or foods to stain your teeth more easily. White wine acts in a similar fashion. You can try gasified water instead.
- Try to eat balanced foods. Try to avoid sweets and opt for fresh fruit and lean meats. Cheese has a PH that helps balance the acids in wine and other acidic beverages. The calcium in cheese is also beneficial for your teeth. Having a balanced diet during the holidays will not only help your overall health but also protect your teeth. Remember to brush your teeth each time you have a meal.
- Avoid grazing. Whenever you eat, your body creates acids that help in the digestion of food. Like all acids, this is not great for your teeth. This is why it is healthy to give mealtimes a defined schedule. Grazing is when we indulge in snacks and treats laid out for eating at any time during the day. Sometimes on the holidays, we end up eating at all times without a sense on how much we are really consuming. Each time we eat, we produce those digestive acids that may wear away your tooth enamel in the long run.
- Don’t forget to floss. Food particles are bound to stay in between your teeth and they are difficult to remove just by brushing. It is recommended to floss at least once a day. You may use conventional floss, a waterpik, or an interdental brush.
- Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Don’t try to open packages, cans, tape or bottles with your teeth as this can lead to teeth fracture or damage.
The holidays are such a happy and joyful season that we do not want you to miss out on anything due to a dental problem. Remember that in dentistry prevention is everything. We are the Costa Rica Dental Team, a dental office located in Costa Rica. We strive to deliver excellency and affordability simply because we believe quality dental care options should be available to people. Contact us now to get a personalized quote and start planning your next trip to Costa Rica!
