Top tips for Healthy Christmas Smile

It’s that time of year again – Christmas lights have started to twinkle, cards and Santa lists are being sent and the countdown has begun. It is a fun and festive time of year, filled with gatherings of family and friends, not to mention lots of delicious food and tempting treats. At Dental Care Ireland, we also like to get into the spirit of the season and sample the delights it has to offer. To help ensure you and your family have a wonderful holiday season, we would like to share some of our Top tips for healthy Christmas Smile.

• At Christmas time, there is likely to be a lot more sweet treats around at home and in work. Think tooth-smart and keep boxes of chocolates, biscuits and sweets out of arm’s reach. Frequency of sugar consumption causes decay, so instead of grazing on your favourite celebrations or sugar cookies, have a few as dessert after a meal. This will help you portion better and protect your teeth from damage.
• Beware of hidden sugars in Christmas puddings, mince pies and cake. The dried fruit in these season favourites are high in sugar and are also very sticky.
• Say yes to the cheese board. Many of the food and drinks we indulge in this season are acidic and lead to erosion of our teeth (fizzy drinks, wine, champagne, fruit). Luckily, cheese does the opposite as it neutralises acid and contains calcium, which helps the tooth surface. Even a small piece of cheese can have a positive effect, so don’t pass on that cheeseboard after dinner!
• Remember your basics in oral hygiene. Your teeth will be exposed to significantly more sugar and acid over the Christmas period, so it is important to remember to keep up your at-home dental care routine. Brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily with tepe brushes or floss, and drink plenty of water to keep your Christmas Smile bright.