Your Dentist in Melbourne Gives 5 Tips for Holiday Oral Health!

As the year approaches its end and the holiday season is underway, you’re busy doing last-minute shopping and preparing for holiday gatherings. As a result, your dental hygiene can be overlooked. Also, during this festive time of the year, you may indulge in more carbohydrates and processed foods, which can contribute to tooth decay. Your dentist in Melbourne says that with a few changes to your approach, you can overcome this dilemma and enjoy excellent oral health!

Tip #1 – Set a Sugar Budget

The most prevalent ingredient during the holiday season is sugar. It provides the sweet and rich flavors that are synonymous with this celebrated time of the year. The problem, though, is that sugar is the food of choice for the bacteria that cause the majority of the dental woes people experience.

An effective strategy to consider is to set limits for how much sugar you’ll consume during the holidays. Once you reach your daily allotment for treats, do your best to remain disciplined; your teeth will thank you for it.

Tip #2 – Drink Plenty of Water

While it’s important to set limits on you sugar intake during the holidays, you don’t want to miss out on all the delicious foods. So a helpful counter-measure you can employ is to drink more water. It will help to bathe your teeth and remove leftover debris after a meal to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Tip #3 – Increase Your Protein Intake

A way to control your sugar cravings during the holidays is to eat foods that are higher in protein like nuts, cheese, turkey and chicken. Drinking milk will also help to satiate your hunger and fortify your oral health.

Tip #4 – Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

In the midst of running errands and making any final holiday preparations, it’s important to not forget about your oral hygiene. It’s especially vital for protecting your oral health during this time of the year when you’re prone to eat more unhealthy foods. For the best results, you should brush and floss your teeth around an hour after eating a meal.

Tip #5 – Choose Dark Chocolate

One of the more familiar flavors during the holidays is chocolate. Thankfully, you don’t have to avoid it totally. Instead, look for desserts that are made from dark chocolate because it typically will contain less sugar than the other types.

Along with making the above adjustments, it’s a good idea to visit your family dentist in Melbourne during the holidays for a cleaning and examination. Thus, you can finish the year with excellent oral health. To schedule a visit, reach out today!

About the Author

Dr. Cedric Chenet is a graduate of Howard University where he earned his DDS degree. He has since gone on to provide the best in dental care for nearly 40 years. Throughout his career, Dr. Chenet has received extensive training in a host of dental procedures, which allows him to deliver comprehensive care at Dental Excellence Melbourne. He can be reached for more information through his website.