Holiday Teeth Care

It’s the time of year when your social calendar is full and it seems like every night of the week you’re headed out for another holiday party. Not only should you plan your outfit, you’ll also want to make sure your oral hygiene is in tip-top shape. This time of year it’s likely that you’ll be in close quarters with your co-workers, friends and family members, so make sure you’re doing your part to keep your teeth white and your breath fresh.

We do teeth whitening in the office, but there are several simple steps you can take towards keeping those pearly whites from being stained and discolored. Lean meats and peanuts can help make teeth whiter, and dairy products like hard cheeses can help remove other food particles from your teeth. Don’t forget to eat your fruits and vegetables too. In addition to all of their other health benefits, firm, crunchy fruits and vegetables help make teeth whiter. Apples, celery, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables that require a lot of chewing make teeth whiter by helping to stimulate saliva which helps neutralize the acid from other foods, such as tomatoes, wine, or citrus fruits.

Certain foods make teeth whiter, but other foods promote stains on teeth. You don’t need to completely avoid these foods, but you can keep your teeth strong by brushing your teeth or rinsing with water as soon as possible after eating them. This includes sugary foods, especially hard candies or lollipops that coat the teeth with sugar as you eat them, acidic foods, such as tomatoes or lemons, and drinks that stain teeth, such as red wine, soda, coffee, and tea.

When it comes to bad breath, drinking water and staying hydrated can help prevent it, and eating the right foods can help maintain the color of your teeth. A dry mouth can cause bad breath, but saliva in your mouth can help by flushing particles that may cause a foul odor

Most of all, just make sure to maintain your brushing and flossing habits! Enjoy those holiday parties, after all, they call it the most wonderful time of the year for a reason!

Happy Holidays!