How to Keep Your Gums Healthy During the Holiday Season
The holiday season has arrived and we can’t help but feel excited about it! Among the best aspects of the holidays are family reunions, meeting with friends, and of course, all the delicious home-cooked meals. With so much temptation, it’s easier than ever to put healthy choices aside and indulge in savory foods and sweet snacks. Unless you take extra precautions to maintain your oral health, your gums are especially vulnerable during this period. If you’re worried about it and want to make sure you don’t make some regrettable mistakes, we have some ideas to keep your gums healthy that can help you.
Keep Your Mouth Fresh
If you don’t usually keep gum around, it’s a good idea to do it this season. Keeping some sugar-free gum in your home or bag can help you maintain your oral hygiene when you’re too busy to brush and floss. You can also fight off cravings for unhealthy snacks by chewing gum instead. Another plus is that you will always have fresh breath. If you want to take it a step further, a way to freshen up on the go and get rid of bacteria in your mouth is to chew it for a while and then rinse your mouth with water.
Make Healthy Food Choices
Having a diet rich in fruits, nuts, and veggies is another way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A powerful immune system is crucial for battling infections and inflammation. Fruits and vegetables include many important vitamins and antioxidants that help maintain gums and teeth healthy, clean, and fresh-smelling.
Visit Your Dentist
Your oral health depends on receiving regular cleanings and examinations. A visit to the dentist helps you maintain your healthy teeth, and prevents conditions like tooth decay and gum disease. The holiday season and all the rich, delicious food it brings can do a number on your gums and teeth, so you schedule a dental checkup and thorough cleaning once it’s over.
Stick To Your Routine
It can be tempting to let the Christmas chaos get in the way of your oral hygiene regimen, but it’s paramount that you brush and floss your teeth every day. Make time for yourself and don’t let your busy schedule prevent you from taking care of your teeth! If you don’t brush your teeth, any food that ends up under the gums becomes lodged, and might quickly get contaminated. Food particles between the teeth and immediately below the gum line can be eliminated with the help of brushing and flossing.
Your dentist is your ally in making sure your teeth and gums remain healthy during the holidays and throughout the entire year. By following the aforementioned advice, you can make sure you’re doing your part and possibly preventing the need for extensive dental work following the holidays. Get in touch with our staff at The Holistic Dental Center in Spokane, WA if you have any questions or concerns, or need assistance during or after the holidays. We are always happy to help!