How To Enjoy The Holidays Without Destroying Your Teeth

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If there is one thing synonymous with the holidays, it’s sweets and tasty treats. From cookies and chocolates to fudge, toffee, pies and more, it can seem like there is no end to sweet treats passing in front of you when the holiday season arrives. As we all know, the naturally-occurring bacteria in our mouths thrives off of sugar. The combination of added sugary treats and bacteria is recipe for cavities and a host of other oral health concerns.

The good news is that you don’t need to allow cavities and dental damage to gain a foothold during your holiday season. With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite treats and keep your teeth and gums healthy well into the new year.

The Concerns with Sugary Food and Drink

Spending extended periods of time enjoying sugary foods and drinks can increase your risks of developing tooth decay and gum disease. For some of us, that is the definition of the holiday season. While it might be easy to just say that you’ll avoid certain foods and drinks entirely, it’s not a realistic way to get through the holidays. And it certainly won’t be very enjoyable for you.

The better solution is to simply plan well, and keep the health of your mouth in mind when you’re out enjoying and indulging.

Tips for Enjoying your Favorites

According to your favorite dentist in Sterling Heights MI, following these handy tips could help you keep your teeth healthy when faced with copious amounts of sweet desserts and other delicious treats.

  • Be sure that you drink plenty of water, as water will help to rinse your mouth out. It’ll wash food debris away from your teeth and keep your gums hydrated.
  • Ensure that you are staying well-rested during the holidays. It can be all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and the bustle and neglect something as simple as getting a good night of sleep. Getting adequate sleep can contribute to your overall health, which includes your dental health.
  • Don’t skip the fruit when you have the opportunity to enjoy it. Foods that are fibrous, such as apples and kiwis, combine with the saliva in your mouth and help rinse away food particles and excessive bacteria that could otherwise lead to cavities.
  • Don’t skip the vegetables, like cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, as they can also help to keep your teeth and gums clean. Vegetables scrub food particles from your teeth.
  • Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker CO, says patients can keep fresh breath, by adding parsley, cilantro and mint to your meals or salads.

Foods to Consider Taking it Easy With

Certainly, you don’t want to skip out on some of your favorites, but there are some foods and drinks that you may wish to take it easy on enjoying.

  • Candy canes and lollipops
  • Peppermint bark
  • Christmas cookies and gingerbread men with too much crunch
  • Fudge, toffees, and caramels; especially if you have braces.
  • Popcorn
  • Fruitcake

Just be aware of how these foods impact the health of your gums and your teeth when you’re enjoying them. Those with braces will know all about what foods to avoid, thanks to the best orthodontist Sterling Heights MI patients could have.

Maintaining your Oral Hygiene 

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is ensure you are maintaining good oral hygiene at home. This can go a long way towards protecting your teeth against decay and disease.

The other step you can take is scheduling your routine checkups, and taking the time to meet with your dentist to discuss any areas of concern in your mouth. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Teeth Cleanings Before the Holidays

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teeth cleanings before the holidaysThe holidays are just around the corner! While you may be excited about holiday activities, now is the time to have your teeth cleaned by a professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Keep reading to discover why right before the holidays is the best time to get your teeth cleaned professionally.

The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings

Dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend that you get teeth cleaning services by a professional at least once every six months. These cleanings come with several advantages, such as checking for gum disease.

Dr. Fardi Farhat, an orthodontist in Sterling Heights, MI, adds that regular cleanings at Dental One Care help get rid of plaque and calculus. Not all plaque and calculus can be removed during your oral hygiene activities at home. The plaque that forms beneath the gum line is particularly problematic because it can cause dental infections leading to tooth loss.

Regular dental cleanings at Dental One Care also provide an opportunity for our team to give you advice on various issues related to your dental health. This is especially important with the upcoming holidays, likely putting your dental health at risk.

The Teeth Cleaning Process

When you visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, to have your teeth cleaned, the hygienist will start with examining your gums and teeth using an overhead light. If the hygienist observes anything of concern, he or she will bring it to the attention of Dr. Fardi Farhat.

Once the inspection is completed, the hygienist will use special tools to brush and floss your teeth. The cleaning agent used during this process is stronger than the toothpaste you use at home, so your teeth will be cleaned thoroughly.

Any stains on your teeth will also be removed during this teeth whitening unless they are intrinsic stains that cannot be removed by abrasive tools or agents.

For people with dentures, the dental cleaning process at Dental One Care will involve cleaning and adjusting those dentures. By the end, the dentures will be clean and fit properly.

When necessary, a fluoride treatment will be administered to give your teeth added protection against cavities and tooth decay. 

If you have other dental work, like dental crowns or fillings, the hygienist in Sterling Heights will polish that dental work.

Educational Instructions During Teeth Cleaning

Your dental hygienist at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI will also give you some educational information relevant to your dental health. This could include the following categories of information;

Nutritional Advice. This advice will be given to you to ensure that you avoid excessive holiday treats and drinks that could be detrimental to your dental health. Getting more of the foods and drinks that are beneficial to your dental and overall health is more important.

Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques. The hygienist may have noticed that certain parts of your teeth aren’t being cleaned appropriately as you brush and floss. Thus, he or she may advise you on how to improve your technique. An improved technique will help clean all the surfaces of the teeth adequately.

Counseling on Tobacco Use. If you are a smoker or use other forms of tobacco (snuff, for example), the educational instructions that you receive may include counseling about the dental risks associated with this habit.

Dental Evaluation

Once the hygienist finishes, Dr. Fardi Farhat will come and evaluate your teeth. He will identify cavities and any other dental problems you may be having. The Sterling Heights MI dentist will then suggest a follow-up visit to monitor any potential problems. He may schedule a visit to treat the problem found.

When the dental cleaning process finishes, you are free to go and start enjoying the holidays! Keep in mind all the advice given regarding how to safeguard your teeth from all the holiday sweets and delicacies. After the holidays, pay Dental One Care a visit so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can assess and fix any damage your teeth sustained during the holidays before the problems worsen.

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