Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Don’t look now, but the holidays are upon us! Warm gatherings of family and friends will fill our calendars, and everyone will be taking photos and videos to document the memories you’ll be making. Is your smile camera-ready? Today our cosmetic dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, is sharing 5 ways to make your smile sparkle for the holidays this year.
Maintain your oral hygiene regimen
The holidays keep all of us busy. Between shopping, trying to remember everything on the calendar and running from one gathering to another, we stay on our toes. Holiday gatherings also usually include more sugar than you’re accustomed to having, including desserts and beverages. Don’t become so busy that you neglect your oral health! Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, two minutes each time, and floss once daily.
Don’t skip dental appointments
You should be scheduling two cleanings per year with your dentist. If your routine dental checkup happens to fall in the months around the holidays, make time for it. Some people will wave off their routine dental appointment, thinking that as long as they eat fairly well and take decent care of their teeth at home, there’s really no point in seeing the dentist. But just like your overall physical health, prevention is key. It’s easier — and less painful and expensive — to prevent oral disease, decay and damage than to have to treat it once it’s present. Sure, these appointments are for routine cleanings, but they’re also an opportunity to catch possible oral health problems early.
Avoid tobacco products
Smoking, chewing tobacco and vaping are proven to harm your overall health and your teeth and gums, too. Nicotine and tar accumulate on your teeth, causing stains. Tobacco also dries out the mouth, leading to halitosis (bad breath). Dry mouth also increases your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Watch what you eat
A smile is a direct reflection of a person’s physical health. Foods that are processed and high in sugar aren’t good for overall health, and they also increase a person’s risk of developing cavities. Especially around the holidays, expect to be surrounded by foods like chips, crackers, desserts, sodas and candy. Additionally, highly acidic foods like wine, berries, coffee and dark tea can stain tooth enamel or cause acid erosion, leaving your teeth looking dingy and yellow. Drinking water is good for the body, and while it doesn’t replace brushing and flossing, it can help rinse acid and sugar from the teeth after consuming these foods and beverages.
Consider professional teeth whitening
Want a quick, affordable and dramatic way to make your smile sparkle for the holidays? Consider a professional teeth whitening treatment at our Lansing cosmetic dentist office. A bright, white smile is just one appointment away and will wow guests at your holiday gatherings!
Cosmetic Dentist in East Lansing and Okemos
Everything sparkles during the holidays. Let’s get your smile sparkling today! Call us at Tenaglia Smiles — (517) 940-8684 — to book an appointment.