A Christmas Smile – How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During the Holiday Season
Christmas is just around the corner, which means once again we are surrounded by festive food and beverages. During this time of the year, we tend to indulge a lot more than usual, which can affect our oral health. During the holiday period, we need to take better care not only of our weight but also of the health of our teeth. A lot of the things we enjoy eating and drinking on Christmas & New Year can harm even the healthiest of teeth.
When you drink and eat starchy or sugary foods, you are not only feeding yourself. You’re also feeding germs (bacteria) that can cause tooth decay and gum disease in your mouth. The bacteria in plaque also causes an inflammatory response which can erode the gums, bones, and other supporting structures of your teeth.
You can easily make a list of harmful products, but we, in turn, want to share with you products that help fight the formation of plaque.
Fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber.
Fiber foods help your teeth and gums stay clean, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Aside from good home dental care, it is your best natural defense against tooth decay and gum disease. About 15 minutes after you eat something that contains sugar or starch, your saliva begins to diminish the action of acids and enzymes attacking your teeth. Saliva contains traces of calcium and phosphate. Thus, it also restores minerals in tooth particles that have been sapped by bacterial acids.
Cheese, milk and other dairy products.
Cheese is another saliva producer. Calcium and phosphates in milk, cheese, and other dairy products help restore minerals that your teeth may have lost from eating other foods.
Green or black tea.
Both green and black tea contain polyphenols that interact with bacteria in plaque. These substances either kill or trap bacteria. This stops the growth of bacteria or the production of acid that can attack the teeth. It's important to remember that depending on the type of water you use to brew your tea, a cup of tea can also be a source of fluoride.
Fluoride products.
Drinking fluoridated water or any product made with fluoridated water helps your teeth. This includes powdered juices (if they don't contain a lot of sugar) and dehydrated soups.
Oral health is more important than you might think because there is a direct link between oral and overall health. Like other parts of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria, mostly harmless. But your mouth is the entrance to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause illness. Therefore, it is very important to know how to protect your oral cavity from harmful bacteria.
Plan your Christmas Dinner menu using foods that will not only keep your family happy but also healthy.
After all, Christmas is the time to share not only gifts but also wonderful smiles!