What’s your favorite holiday treat?

Auntie Bev’s sugar cookies? 

Grandma’s homemade pumpkin pie?  

The neighbor’s peanut brittle you can’t get enough of? 

While we all love and enjoy the holidays and the abundance of treats, goodies, and gatherings it’s important to remember this time of year can be especially difficult to balance sugary wants and desires with the need to maintain healthy oral care. 

The good news is we have a holiday prep guide for a healthy mouth that hopefully won’t dull the holiday spirit!

YOUR HOLIDAY PREP GUIDE FOR A HEALTHY MOUTH 

Not all sweets or foods are created equal. 

It’s important to know which foods and treats to avoid and which ones to moderate for a healthy mouth.

WHAT TO AVOID

Keep this in mind when it comes to what to stay away from for a healthy mouth: 

• Hard candy that may chip your tooth

• Sticky candies that like to wear out their welcome 

• Sweet drinks that are really good at finding tiny areas in your mouth to hang out in

If you just can’t avoid these, or feel this is your favorite holiday indulgence, cycle with water and eat your treats just prior to a healthier meal. 

The water will wash away sugary residue while the food will increase saliva production that will help break down sugars and bacteria build-up.

This will also possibly crowd out the appetite for more sugars.

WHAT TO MODERATE

Moderation is the next best solution behind avoidance and let’s be real…avoidance isn’t going to happen when it comes to grandma’s mouth-watering homemade pumpkin pies! 

Moderation tips for the holiday season: 

Start small—

Sample a little piece of pie. 

Drink water and wait 20 minutes before going back for more. 

You may just find that you’re satisfied and a second trip around the food table isn’t needed. 

HEALTHY MOUTH MAINTENANCE 

Knowing that this season can be a challenge for oral hygiene it’s a relief for your teeth when they get to see the dentist. 

If possible, schedule cleanings after the holiday this way your mouth can get the care it needs following the festive fun. 

Sometimes getting to the dentist during the holidays can be difficult due to busy schedules. 

If you can’t get into the dentist to treat your teeth to a spa day, consider polishing up on your home care. 

Think about leaving your toothbrush and floss on a pillow or somewhere that might prompt you to do these tasks before ending your night.

Holidays can leave us all exhausted to the point we simply forget to finish the day with proper oral hygiene. Sometimes a simple reminder is all we need.

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With regular flossing, brushing, conscious, strategic eating habits, and timely follow-up with your dental gurus—your mouth will not only be grateful but will be healthy enough to enjoy next year’s holiday extravaganza!

Ready to schedule a cleaning, or need to get your mouth ready for the holidays? We’d love to help! 

Contact Integrity Dental in Pueblo, CO to get started.