5 top tips to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays

By Natalie Wilson

Christmas is likely to be a different experience this year in 2020 due to what occurred with the pandemic of Coronavirus. Only limited households will be able to join together and contact with our loved ones are likely to be restricted to save the spread occurring further.

However, one thing we know for sure is that everyone's likely to have the same merry experience as we've had in the past. It's fair to say that food is the highlight of every family's Christmas (perhaps after the presents) which means plenty of work for our mouths and teeth as they chomp through the turkey, mince pies and treats.

It's a time of the year where snacking can be largely evident and we eat frequently throughout the day, even when we feel like we don't have enough space. Unfortunately, whilst it can be great to rummage through all the food it can take a real toll on your gums and teeth. Here are 5 top tips to ensure that your gums and teeth can remain healthy this Christmas period.

1. Avoid the candy canes

Candy canes can be a great treat to keep in your Christmas stocking and have great taste. Whilst it can be readily available and tasty, the hard texture of the sweet can be harmful for your teeth when you bite into it.

If you're still craving a treat and really want this candy cane, it may be better to change your technique and let the candy dissolve in your mouth rather than biting it. Just be sure to brush your teeth around 30 minutes after so the sugar doesn't linger.

2. Stay clear of fizzy drinks

When it comes to the holidays, pretty much everyone is eager to have a party, especially this year when we've been strived of them from our close friends and family. So, fizzy pop and drinks are likely to be served at the table as everyone looks to get a little buzz. Unfortunately, drinking these drinks can be extremely harmful for your teeth as it causes cavities and erosion around your teeth.

To avoid the harmful effects of sugary drinks on your teeth, use an alternative such as fizzy water if you're really craving some form of fizz in your drinks. Alternatively, use a straw with your beverages to prevent the sugar from making direct contact with your teeth and gums.

3. Eat more turkey

If you needed a reason to eat more turkey than you have it right here. Did you know that Turkey has phosphorus and protein qualities that can benefit teeth? Well, now you do! Protein and phosphorus can help the body to fight off teeth decay and keep your teeth feeling strong and healthy. So, when you have your Christmas dinner this year, make sure you ask for that one extra serving so your teeth can benefit.

4. Arrange a cheese board

Cheese boards are a great addition to your Christmas Day this year. Although it might seem strange to simply have a dish of cheese on the side, it can provide many benefits for your teeth and overall oral health.

It can be particularly useful when you're drinking several alcoholic drinks throughout the day. This is because cheese promotes the release of saliva in the mouth which helps to neutralize the acid from the snacks and drinks and balance the PH level around your mouth. It also has high amounts of calcium which is great for teeth.

5. Don't use your teeth as a tool

A poor habit that tends to be a common occurrence at Christmas time is using your teeth to help open packets of snacks or cracking open the bottle of beer. Using your teeth to open that can cause them extreme stress, particularly to open a bottle. It can put your teeth at risk of being damaged or even chipped. As a result, you may have yourself calling up your local dentist Warrington based to repair the damages to your teeth.

6. Brush thoroughly

Brushing your teeth properly has never been more important in the year than during Christmas. If you don't already, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. A good indicator of knowing that your teeth are clean is how long you spend brushing them.

For optimal tooth brushing, you should be doing it for at least 2-3 minutes every time you brush. Doing so will ensure your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned. Don't forget to brush your tongue too!

Keeping clean at Christmas

Although not an extensive list, these are just 5 of the most important considerations to have when looking to keep your teeth healthy this holiday. Although a hard task, in some cases you may even be able to take the focus completely away from the food itself, which can also help with keeping your teeth clean and healthy this Christmas.

Try to set up activities or Christmas games that don't necessarily include food or drink. You can play board games with the whole family, indulge in a Christmas movie marathon or even go outdoors and make the most of the snow (if you get any).