The holidays are busy, fun, and right around the corner! Check to see if you are following these principles to make sure you have a tooth-healthy holiday season.
Brush: Remember, you should brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is no more than 3-4 months old. If your family hasn’t replaced toothbrushes in a few months, consider buying toothbrushes in holiday colors and using them as small gifts!
Floss: Floss once daily, for 2-3 minutes each time. Use 18 inches of single-filament floss and a gentle sawing motion to slip the floss between teeth. This removes the plaque and food particles. If you are just beginning your flossing habit, it is normal for it to be a little uncomfortable. You’ll get used to it! If the discomfort persists for more than 2 weeks, talk with Dr. Mark Berard.
Candy: The holidays tend to have a lot of sweets involved. Make sure you know how to handle this situation for maximum oral health. Eat sugary treats in moderation. When you do choose to eat sweets, don’t snack on them over long periods of time–eat a treat, then be finished. Afterward, try chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes. Then, be sure to brush and floss extra-thoroughly to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Visit Your Dentist Now: If you are like most people, you probably don’t want a cavity or other oral emergency putting a wrench in your holiday plans. To prevent this, schedule an appointment with Mark D. Berard, DDS in Holland, Michigan by calling 616-392-2853. Our team will be happy to help you keep your smile picture-perfect for the holidays!