Taking Care Of Your Teeth During The Festive Season

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s likely that we will all be indulging in more sweet treats. However, it is important that you know the impact that this can have on your teeth.

Whether it is through the sweet treats or alcohol, when increasing your sugar intake it is important to pay extra attention to keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Here are some tips for maintaining your oral health this festive season:

• Although the amount of sugar we consume is important, the frequency that we eat it is even more so. If you are going to eat and drink sugary things, try to limit them to meal times. This will reduce the number of acid attacks taking place on your teeth.
• Caramels and toffees are a popular festive treat. However, they can stick to the grooves in your teeth and feed the bacteria that is living there, leading to tooth decay. It is important that you thoroughly brush and floss your teeth to remove any remaining food particles.
• Sour sweets have become more popular over recent years. The flavouring in these sweets contains more acid which can lead to tooth decay.
• Fruit juices and sugary drinks contain high levels of sugar so need to be consumed in moderation. Drinking through a straw can help as it will help to reduce the contact with your teeth.
• Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of oral cancer so try to limit your intake.
• Lots of Christmas snacks, such as mince pies, Christmas cake and pudding contain dried fruit which is high in sugar. Therefore, it is important to pay extra attention when brushing your teeth.
• Treat yourself or a loved one to an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are more powerful at removing plaque and reducing gum disease in the long term. It is important that you change your toothbrush (whether it is a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head) regularly.

Opening times over the Christmas period: