Do you have big plans for the holiday season? Since this time of year contains plenty of treats and meals high in sugar and starch the risk of cavities could increase for people of all ages. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist wants to talk about ways to lower your risk of cavities during the holiday season and in the months to come.
Tooth Decay and the Holiday Season
How does the holiday season threaten your smile? This time of year involves big meals with plenty of items high in starch, and tons of desserts and drinks with lots of sugar, including cookies, cakes, and pies. Which means when you consume them, particles of sugar and starch become trapped between your teeth. Bacteria will then consume them, a process that elevates oral acidity and then coats the teeth in plaque buildup, a layer that hardens into tartar and threatens the outer enamel and gums. The risk of tooth decay and gum disease then grows in severity! But we want to help prevent toothaches and bleeding gums, so you maintain good oral health and still enjoy your favorite seasonal treats!
Protecting Your Smile
To keep your smile strong, we suggest enjoying items really high in sugar and starch in moderation. You should drink a glass of water with them to help rinse away the particles of sugar and starch. Try to add fresh fruits and vegetables to your plate, as options like carrots, apples, and broccoli could help scrub away these particles and control buildup. You should consider excusing yourself to floss after your meal, and be sure that even if you are out of town you continue to brush and floss daily as recommended, which helps safeguard your smile.
Cleanings, Fluoride, and Dental Sealants
You could also schedule a visit with our team now before the holiday season gets too hectic. We suggest a routine visit for a checkup and cleaning, so we can make sure you don’t have issues that need treatment, and we can remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth to lower the risk of cavities and gum disease. For kids, we could also discuss options like fluoride treatments and dental sealants to lower their risk of cavities. You can also use your remaining 2025 dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
If you have any questions about protecting your smile during the holiday season, or using your remaining benefits, then reach out to our team today to learn more!
Schedule a Visit and Avoid Tooth Decay
There is still time to see our team for a routine checkup and cleaning visit! To learn more about cavity prevention during the festive season, call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at (913)681-5500.
