The Christmas season can be hard on the teeth. It is possible that you have already been enjoying sweet treats since Halloween and the feasts around Christmas time can be difficult to skip. Since you cannot avoid the festivities, the next best thing is to look after your teeth carefully so you can enjoy the season to the fullest. Here are 5 tips for looking after your teeth this Christmas:
1. First things first, you need to make sure you stick to your dental care routine during the holidays. It can be difficult to keep up with flossing and brushing regularly in the spirit of the season, but that doesn’t mean you can forgo your dental hygiene. This will reduce the strain on your teeth.
2. There are some treats which you should eat sparingly during the Christmas season. This especially includes the sweet treats you might want to indulge in. Avoid cakes and puddings which are loaded with dry fruits, as they are high in sugar and bad for your teeth.
3. You should have a piece of cheese after every meal. As you would know, cheese is good for your teeth and consuming it can offset some of the damage to your teeth caused by the heavy meal you had.
4. Keep your sugar intake to a minimum during the Christmas season. Of course, you have the license to indulge but don’t overeat. Eat small portions and you will be doing your teeth a favor.
5. Last, but not the least, simply because it is a fun time, doesn’t mean you should be using your teeth as a bottle opener.
These are 5 simple tips you can follow to look after your teeth this Christmas season. This way, you can enjoy the festivities and at the same time, preserve your dental health
Did you know that brushing only cleans about 25% of your mouth? To ensure your entire mouth is free of any food tidbits, acid and bacteria, it is important that you use a mouthwash. Before selecting the right mouthwash, make sure you avoid alcohol-based products since they are more likely to damage your teeth and tissues in the long run.
Although alcohol is an effective antiseptic, it can dry the mouth and hence encourage bacterial buildup. Instead of an alcohol-based mouth rinse, go for one with oxidizing chemicals, such as zinc chloride, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine dioxide. These elements are effective at eliminating bacteria, and are gentle on the tissues.
How to Rinse Using a Mouthwash
Using mouthwash may seem simplistic, but if not done the right way, even the best product wouldn’t be of much help. The right process for rinsing with a mouthwash is:
- Take the right amount of the mouth rinse (4 teaspoons or 20 milliliters) in a cup. Do look at the instructions for utmost efficiency.
- Next, empty the cup into your mouth, and do not dilute the solution with water. Swish and rinse for around 30 to 60 seconds, but no less than 30 seconds. For better results, time yourself to get a clearer idea. Swish and rinse with vigor to thoroughly work your cheek muscles and jaw.
- Make sure to gargle for about 30 seconds to a minute. Here you have two options. You can either start gargling with the solution in your mouth or take a fresh swig. This part is necessary to get rid of any bacteria from your throat or back of the mouth, which cannot usually be reached by toothbrush or floss.
Remember that mouthwash rinsing should be coupled with brushing and flossing, and NOT used as a replacement for the two.
