Naughty or Nice: Holiday Dental Care Tips

The holidays are almost here. That means delicious sweets are tempting you. Your taste buds are ready to relish every bite while your teeth and gums aren’t prepared for the onslaught. Which are you going to be, naughty or nice?

Naughty – You Don’t Take Care of Your Teeth

With presents to wrap and cards to send, your time can easily vanish. Your dental health may not even cross your mind. That certainly puts you on Santa’s naughty list.

Nice – You Follow a Daily Dental Routine

You follow your daily dental routine and brush your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes. Keep in mind, dentists advise brushing your teeth at an angle of 45 degrees. This will make your local dentist happy and land you on the nice list.

Naughty – You Choose Sugars and Spice That Aren’t So Nice

Certain chewy, hard, sticky, gummy, sugary foods taste fabulous, but they are bad for your teeth and gums. Candy-canes, chestnuts, soft mint chews, and other holiday staples are hard to pass up. Instead, imagine the cavities that will need filling.

Nice – You Choose Healthier Foods

Pick carrots as a tasty treat. Reindeer love them too. Cookies and cakes are popular cavity-inducing holiday treats you should keep to a minimum. Stay nice and care for your teeth by sticking to healthy food choices.

Naughty – You Skip Seeing Your Local Dentist

You’ll find your place on the naughty list if you skip an appointment with your local dentist. Keep scheduled dental visits. Especially with tempting sweets lurking everywhere.

Nice – You Schedule Checkups and Teeth Cleanings

If you forget to floss and brush during the holidays, counteract the problem with a dental visit. It’s the nicest oral health gift you can give yourself. Besides, a visit ensures you’re cavity-free and smiling brightly to bring in the new year.

Naughty – You Have One too Many Sugary Drinks

Hot chocolate, spiced cider, and egg nog are popular holiday drinks. They tend to be full of sugar. If you over-indulge, you’re definitely on the naughty list.

Nice – You Drink Water

Avoid sodas and sugary holiday beverages. Instead, choose water with fluoride. This will keep your teeth healthy and strong. Your local dentist can help you avoid holiday cavity-creating pitfalls. Schedule an appointment at (207) 767-3211 to have your teeth checked and ensure you stay on Santa’s nice list.