5 Dental Tips for the Holidays

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Nov. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- With Halloween in the rearview and Thanksgiving right around the corner, we want to share with you a few practical tips from our Dentists & Hygienists that can save you from the onslaught of abuse the holiday season brings on your teeth!

There’s nothing wrong with lacking a little self-control during this festive time of year, but your beautiful pearly-whites that you have spent all year taking care of can pay the price if you aren’t careful.

Here is an easy-to-follow & practical guide for keeping your teeth healthy throughout this holiday season:

1. Rinse with water immediately after meals and/or sweets

  It is recommended to wait 30 minutes after eating or indulging in sweets to brush & floss, allowing your mouth to return to its’ normal pH balance, but we understand that waiting this long after a meal (especially for little ones) is not always realistic. By simply swishing water in your mouth for about 30 seconds after sweets, you can prevent a significant amount of tartar and plaque from taking hold and help your mouth return to normal pH faster.

2. Don't forget to brush & floss

  During the holiday season we are busy spending time with loved ones and traveling which can make it very easy to forget to maintain our regular brushing & flossing habits. Like we said in the previous tip, if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t brush and floss don’t panic! Simply rinse with water. This doesn't replace brushing & flossing, but it's better than nothing. It is also wise to invest in a to-go toothbrush or designate a pack of floss for on-the-go activities.

3. Treat your teeth

  In keeping up with the giving spirit of the holidays, why neglect your teeth? Buy yourself or a loved one a new toothbrush. Treat yourselves to some delicious xylitol-flavored gum or candies. Your teeth have been working hard, they deserve it! While you’re at it, visit your hygienist and get a teeth cleaning or ask your dentist about whitening options to make all your friends and family jealous of your sparkling pearly whites!

4. Use appropriate tools

  With all of the presents, packages, bottles to be opened, and nuts to be cracked; it can be tempting to use our teeth to take care of these tasks. Do yourself and your dentist a huge favor by using appropriate tools instead of using your teeth for these tasks! It will save you plenty of pain, money, and time spent at the dentist during the holidays that you can spend feasting!

5. Just say no

  Candy canes, caramel, sticky sweets, and other hard candies are some of the most common (& tasty) holiday treats that cause the most damage, and are best avoided. Do your best to limit your intake of these sweets, and if you do decide to enjoy a candy cane or two- don’t chew on them!

About Helm | Nejad | Stanley - Dentistry:

Doctors Helm, Nejad, & Stanley serve as the leading national practice for Biomimetic Dentistry, maintaining the 30 year tradition of excellence and prestige that continues to attract many Hollywood celebrities, Fortune 500 executives, and other notables from Los Angeles and across the country.