Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
It’s the best time of year to enjoy the holiday spirit, follow family traditions, and ogle Christmas-themed decorations. However, the holidays are full of food, sweet treats, and in some homes, alcoholic beverages, which could cause problems with your oral health. Therefore, to help you retain your sparkling smile for the holidays, the family Okemos dentist near you, Dr. Christine Tenaglia of Tenaglia Smiles, shares tips for a brighter, whiter smile.
Get a Professional Dental Checkup and Cleaning
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends patients visit their dentist twice per year for a regular checkup and cleaning to prevent the most common advanced dental conditions. Therefore, if you have avoided the dentist this year, you should schedule an appointment today with the professional dentist in East Lansing before the schedule fills up as Christmas gets closer. With your children on holiday break from school, it can be an excellent time to schedule appointments for them too. Visiting your dentist by year-end can help you utilize your dental insurance benefits. Keep in mind that unused portions of your insurance will not roll over to the next year because your benefits start over in January.
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Although the holiday period can be overwhelmingly busy, you must brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day to effectively remove harmful bacteria. When skipping your oral hygiene routine, whether day or night, you could cause extensive damage to your teeth and gums, especially after consuming holiday foods and beverages full of acids and sugars. Our Lansing family dentist understands that there is not always an opportune time to brush and floss your teeth, such as when you are out holiday shopping. Therefore, carry some sugar-free gum containing xylitol to chew after consuming food or beverages. Gum increases your saliva production and aids in washing away harmful bacteria after a delicious meal.
Limit Sugary Christmas Treats
Sugar is bacteria’s best friend as it helps create harmful acids that can quickly erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Although the common belief is that the amount of sugar you consume is the culprit of cavity development, how long sugar inundates your teeth and gums makes a critical difference in your oral health. Therefore, you must refrain from consuming sugar all day in a buffet style to limit the damage you cause to your teeth and gums. Okemos’ board-certified dentist advises patients to consume sugary treats during one sitting to reduce your risk of developing cavities. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water to help wash away damage-causing sugar and restoring the pH level in your mouth to normal. Better yet, brush your teeth afterward to remove any residual sugar lingering in your mouth.
Protect Your Pearly Whites
During the holidays, some families have the tradition of playing sports or throwing a football around after dinner. Other families may receive a new trampoline or bicycle for Christmas, and accidents can happen. Whether you are a child or an adult, the experienced East Lansing dentist can help protect your smile with a custom-made sports guard that may reduce possible damage to your teeth in the event an accident occurs.
Family Dentistry in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
With conscious efforts to brush, floss, and visit your dentist, you could maintain your sparkling smile through the holidays and into the new year. To schedule a checkup and cleaning with your Lansing family dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia of Tenaglia Smiles, feel free to call our office at (517) 347-6733 or schedule an appointment online.