4 Ways to Keep your Teeth Holiday Proof

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Greenberg Orthodontics & TMJ

Nut Crackers Exist for a Reason!

Those cute little bearded figurines aren’t just there to guard your mantle, they’re here to help you guard your teeth against tough nuts. No need to prove how macho your chompers are by shredding nutshells with them. Real nutcrackers are meant to do the job to help you avoid cracking teeth & damaging gums. If you see a tasty-looking bowl of nuts that haven’t been pre-shelled, find a nutcracker before digging in. This also goes for bottles & other packages, use the right tools for opening – not the ones in your mouth.

Yes to Carrots & Apples

Take after Rudolph & go for those carrots. This super strong veggie helps clean out your mouth & palate especially if you’re going in for seconds. The grainy texture of apples does the same & provides a refreshing taste. Your teeth will thank you!  Holidays are like the Olympics for our mouths, so it’s our job to stay on top of our oral health in order to eat like champs. Staying hydrated is also very important. If this season’s drinks get too sweet for you, >water + fluoride helps keep your teeth strong & healthy…don’t have fluoride lying around your house? Just drink some water and stay away from the sugar for a while!

Extra Sticky = Icky

Keep your mouth pain-free & your dental fixtures safe by steering clear of extra sticky holiday foods. Things like taffy candy or dried cranberries force your teeth & jaws to work overtime. Sticky foods also tend to get rrreeeal comfy in your mouth, thus residing in there longer. We know they’re yummy… But letting a chewy candy dislodge a wire is never fun! We love seeing our patients, but prefer you avoid emergency care & maintain oral safety over the holidays by avoiding sticky candies.

Sugar Free Chewing Gum

As much as everyone says gum is bad for you, it’s not the case if it’s sugar free! As long as it doesn’t become a bad habit, sugar-free chewing gum actually fights against tooth decay. Especially on holidays & big family gatherings that make way for extra heavy meals, our mouths are going to need extra protection. The beauty of sugar-free chewing gum is that it stimulates more saliva to assist in flushing out bacteria. It also hunts & traps food particles that would otherwise build up & become plaque. Make the most of its benefit with 20 minutes of chewing after each holiday meal.