Tis the Season of Sugar

Can't resist the most winsome of the holiday temptations?  Do you plan on giving in to all the delicious delectable food that you had sacrificed the whole year?  Well, you can go ahead...there's no-one to blame you except your teeth!  Holiday foods are nice, sweet and full of spice, but can your teeth stand the strain of starch and sugar that you find in cakes, pastries and pies?  Generating s. mutans or Streptococcus mutans which is a stubborn bacteria in the oral cavity can precipiatate 'superplaque' which builds up and aided by carbonated drinks and sodas result in damaging the enamel of the teeth.  With celebrating all night long, people tend to give their nightly brush a break or skip this important procedure which causes the bacteria to build up and slowly damage the teeth.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are being sold in U.S.A. with Americans spending over $1.4 billion to brighten their teeth.  But dentists advise that there are holiday foods that can be avoided so people do not have to be conscious of having stained teeth.  With even soda, tea and coffee staining the teeth, the other holiday foods that deter a bright smile are hot cocoa, cranberries and blueberry pie.  It is advisable to drink tea and coffee with a straw besides brushing the teeth after a meal or chewing gum that would help to maintain sparkling teeth.  Striking a yummy note, the to-dos for white teeth include a sweet spectrum that people with a sweet tooth will love!  You can indulge in candy that has xylitol and does not build up plaque like the ones with refined sugar.  Dark chocolate offers health benefits and does not stick to the teeth while mints and sugar-free gum help when sugary temptations beckon!  And, not to miss, another piece of advice would be to avoid hard candies with some of them being chewy which result in tooth decay.  Be sure to see your dentist if you have been indulging during the holiday season.

As every dentist would advise, it will be great and definitely very important if people stick to their daily dental routines even during the holiday season.  Though people travel to see loved ones during the holiday season or if their daily routine is thrown out of gear, it is imperative to maintain oral hygiene on a daily basis to avoid tooth decay and other unwanted dental problems.  Ensure a healthy routine that will keep your teeth white and bright while the holiday season goes on with cheer.  Teeth should be brushed after every meal or twice a day and that is...once in the morning and once at night to protect from plaque build up.  This should be accompanied by flossing and rinsing the mouth thoroughly.

Whilst the holiday season goes on an uninterrupted travel of sweets, salt and a sticky carousel of candy, be sure to schedule your meals and your snacks without piling on the sugar and salt.  Avoid salty and over-sweet foods besides adhering to timely meals and plenty of water as a natural drink.  Incorporate healthy choices such as whole-grains, low-fat dairy products, crunchy vegetables and fruits such as apples and carrots that can eliminate bacteria and the gradual build up of plaque.  Whether you have been naughty or nice during the holiday season, be sure to see your dentist for a check-up and schedule periodic visits to ensure a healthy set of teeth.