4 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Holiday Proof

---

Greenberg Orthodontics & TMJ

The holidays bring joy, family gatherings, and plenty of tempting treats that can threaten your smile. While we love seeing our patients, we'd prefer you avoid emergency dental care and maintain optimal oral health throughout the festive season. Here are four essential strategies to keep your teeth holiday-proof.

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 strong your teeth are by shredding nutshells with them. Real nutcrackers are designed to do the job and help you avoid cracking teeth and 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 and other packages — use the right tools for opening, not the ones in your mouth! Your orthodontic appliances will thank you for the extra care.

Yes to Carrots and Apples

Take after Rudolph and go for those carrots! This super strong veggie helps clean out your mouth and palate, especially if you're going in for seconds. The grainy texture of apples does the same and 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 with fluoride helps keep your teeth strong and 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 and your dental fixtures safe by steering clear of extra sticky holiday foods. Things like taffy candy or dried cranberries force your teeth and jaws to work overtime. Sticky foods also tend to get really comfortable in your mouth, residing there longer and increasing decay risk.

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 and 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 during holidays and big family gatherings that make way for extra heavy meals, our mouths need additional protection.

The beauty of sugar-free chewing gum is that it stimulates more saliva to assist in flushing out bacteria. It also hunts and traps food particles that would otherwise build up and become plaque. Make the most of its benefit with 20 minutes of chewing after each holiday meal.

Professional Holiday Dental Care

While following these tips will help protect your smile, professional dental guidance is invaluable during the holiday season. Dr. Greenberg and her team provide comprehensive care to help you navigate holiday challenges while maintaining excellent oral health.

Planning holiday gatherings or concerned about protecting your braces during festive meals? Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn personalized strategies for keeping your smile bright throughout the holiday season.