Looking After Your Oral Health This Christmas

There’s lots to look forward to when the festive period rolls around. Many of these things can be harmful to your teeth and general oral health. But there is no need to worry, here at Aesthetique Dental Care, we have the key tips to help keep your smile healthy without having to miss out on your favourite Christmas snacks completely.

Diet

The most important factor to consider this winter is moderation. Everything is good in moderation. It is fine to treat yourself to a mince pie, it is perfectly acceptable to help yourself to the tub of sweets or to steal a handful of nuts. What is vital to remember is not to over-indulge and make a habit of eating snacks high in sugar, salt and fat all day every day.

What might be helpful to remember is that there are certain foods which can act as ‘edible toothbrushes’. The following snacks scrub your teeth whilst you eat them, meaning they help restore your teeth to optimal condition:

• Carrots
• Apples
• Celery sticks
• Plain popcorn
• Cucumbers
• Pears
• Lettuce
• Cheese

As healthy as the above foods are for your teeth, nothing can be better for you than brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, so don’t forget this integral step.

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your teeth and mouth healthy is with regular brushing and flossing. If you brush twice a day and still struggle to maintain good oral hygiene, you may want to consider whether you are brushing for long enough (we recommend two minutes) or if your toothbrush needs replacing (we suggest replacing your toothbrush every three or four months or when the bristles start to become frayed).

Colgate recommends the following steps to make the most of your toothbrushing routine:

• Brush your tongue – an essential part of brushing your teeth that a surprising amount of people forget or miss out completely. Brushing your tongue can help eradicate bad breath and fight the bacteria in your mouth, keeping your smile healthy.
• Toothbrush storage – After use, remember to rinse your toothbrush and store it in an upright position, preferably somewhere with good airflow to prevent micro-organisms from growing.
• Use fluoride – It is a myth that fluoride is beneficial to children’s teeth only. Fluoride hardens tooth enamel and prevents cavities and the need for fillings. Fluoride can be found in certain toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Dental Check-ups

The best person to advise you on ways to tailor your oral hygiene routine to better suit your needs is your dentist or dental hygienist. Regular dental check-ups can help prevent cavities as well as gum disease. If you are due a follow-up or have been experiencing dental pain or sensitivity, book an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later.

If you are looking for a dentist in Leeds who can provide first-class care for their patients, contact the team today and book to meet one of our friendly dentists.