subject: Are Women At A Greater Risk For Gum Disease? [print this page] Are Women At A Greater Risk For Gum Disease?
Holiday treats are a dime a dozen this time of year. You can't go to a holiday party or simply visit a neighbor without eating something sugary and sweet; those holiday treats are always calling your name. And, unfortunately, those same holiday treats are calling your dentist and Gilbert oral surgeon's name as well, when you call to make that appointment a few weeks from now with chronic pain in your mouth.
Last week we talked about some different ideas for stocking stuffers. Instead of using the never-fails-last-second-candy-treats' in your child's stocking, how about some oral health products. I know, it doesn't sound very cherry or joyous to include some floss, toothpaste or a toothbrush in the stockings, but it's a simple idea to help promote healthy oral habits and avoid stockings stuffed with candy.
Here are some easy to follow tips for enjoying those holiday treats, but avoiding those pesky cavities from OralB.com:
Save treats like candy, cookies and pies for after mealtime since this is when the amount of saliva produced in the mouth is greater and will therefore better help protect your teeth.
Dairy acts as a buffer to the acids produced by oral bacteria, decreasing the possibility of tooth decay. So consider serving milk or cheese with holiday candies and treats.
Hard candy can get stuck between teeth, which can cause cavities. Flossing can help remove the candy particles.
To help pace the amount of candy you and your family is consuming around holidays like Halloween and Easter, store excess candy in a sealed container and establish set times when your child can have a treat.
Drink more water to help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for fluoride content. According to the American Dental Association, fluoridated water can reduce the number of cavities children get in their baby teeth.
The holidays are an incredibly tempting time of the year for many people, especially when it comes to holiday treats. But, you can still enjoy those treats and protect your teeth, you just have to be conscious of the fact that the holidays are the worst time of the year for your oral health. If all else fails, and you start to feel the twinge of a cavity coming on in a few weeks, don't hesitate to give your local Gilbert dentist a call.
