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For many people the holiday season can mean a time of overindulgence. The abundance of cookies may have you putting off the thoughts of being healthful until the new year. While tradition and joy should remain throughout your holidays, it is important to remember to protect your smile. There are ways to enjoy the season without being completely naughty to your teeth and gums. Try a balance of healthy swaps in place of the sweet, rich treats of the season. Remind yourself to drink plenty of water to rinse away the danger. Keeping up with your oral hygiene routines can help to keep you on the right track. 

Healthy Swaps

Cutting yourself off from the sweets completely can be difficult and counter-intuitive. There are times when a complete restriction leads to an utter overindulgence. Balance can be helpful to counteract this. With your family, try a tradition of building salads or houses out of colorful vegetables. Red and green bell peppers can be great building blocks. Try to choose the healthful food choices as often as you can to add balance to the sugar plums dancing in your head.

Water Helps

Drinking water helps keep your body healthy. It also helps to rinse away food particles that can turn into the dangerous bacteria that attacks your teeth and gums. When you are eating festive treats, drink plenty of water to keep them from sticking around too long in your mouth. Water is also good to pair with the seasonal drinks that may hang around like egg nog or apple cider. Drinking water can also make your tummy signal to your brain that you are full, which can help prevent overeating.

Keep Your Routine

The holidays are busy for almost everyone. It can be easy to give yourself or your family a break from following important routines. With all the sugar in your diet, it is more important than ever to keep brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

Ask for more tips on keeping your smile healthy

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris are here to help keep smiles healthy. Schedule a consultation at Mansfield Dental Associates by calling 817-473-6227. Located in Mansfield, TX, we also welcome patients and families from all surrounding communities including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.