The holidays can be tough on your teeth, a few tips to keep on smiling
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
First, let me apologize for the long gap between my columns. Family always comes first and sitting down to write just wasn’t on the to-do list in November.
The holiday season is all about family and friends. Get-togethers, whether formal or spontaneous, almost always involve foods that we reserve just for the season. Very few of us make Christmas cookies in April or chomp on candy canes in August. I have composed a few healthful tips to make the season enjoyable and healthy.
- Don’t overdo the bleaching. Many people are focused on the whitest brightest smile for all of the family gatherings. Stick to the package instructions or follow your dentist’s recommendations. Too much whitening can cause sensitivity that could make that chilled champagne on New Year’s a painful experience.
- Be stingy with soda. Soda is still acidic and overdoing it can cause trouble. Don’t forget the soda that may be in the mixers. If you are sipping soda over a long period of time – use a straw. A straw will protect the teeth from most of the acid damage.
- Avoid candy cane cracks. I can’t resist occasionally indulging in the original peppermint treat. However, resist the temptation to bite them. Hard candy if chewed just right can crack teeth or damage dental work. If you can’t pass the hard candy dish – be prepared to enjoy it slowly by letting it dissolve.
- Thumbs up for turkey. Turkey is a great holiday food. It’s high in protein and provides phosphorus that is great for dental enamel.
- Be mindful of red wine. Red wine really can stain teeth. Not to mention what it does when you spill it on a white sweater. If you eat food while you sip you will reduce the staining effect. Don’t forget to bush afterwards.
- Say Cheese! Cheese is a great snack to have along with holiday drinks. It neutralizes the acidic nature of soda and wine and it is a great source of the calcium you need for healthy bones and teeth.
- Give Santa a helping hand. Always stuff stockings well. Limit the amount of sugary treats in the stocking, one really great treat is better than a lot of sugary snacks. Small toys, even a crazy character toothbrush can make a youngsters day.
- Use a scissors. Don’t tear ribbon or packaging with your teeth. That holiday photo won’t look its best with a broken front tooth.
- Humming helps. The average holiday carol is two minutes long – that happens to be the optimal length of time to get the most out of your brushing routine. So make it festive and brush to the music.
- Take the spotlight off of food. Have a great time with family and friends try to find activities to do that don’t involve the focus on food. Have healthy snacks as an option for every festive occasion.
I am wishing each and every one of my readers and safe and happy holiday season. No matter what you celebrate be safe and enjoy the company of friends and family.
Hermey and Rudolph, Courtesy of the American Dental Association.
Kids should visit Hermey the Elf for more dental fun facts
http://www.mouthhealthykids.org/en/activity-sheets/color-with-hermey/
Dr. Stephanie McGann, who has more than two decades of dental practice experience, is a resident of the Unionville area and along with her partner, Dr. Marie Scott, operates The Brandywine Smile Center, a family-friendly dental practice in Concordville. Dr. McGann has opened a new practice in Valley Township, Rainbow Valley Dental. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
