Happy Holidays, Happy Smiling!

As tables across the nation become laden with all types of deliciousness that is only offered at this time of year, it is prudent to keep your oral health in mind. The days can get hectic with partying, visiting, shopping and preparations. This is especially true as so many families did not have the opportunity to celebrate together last year. In the middle of all the rush and fanfare, your oral health may suffer, unless you make it a priority.

It Is More Important Than You Think
Your mouth is always full of both good and bad bacteria. Skipping your oral hygiene routine gives the bad bacteria a chance to grow. This produces an environment ripe for disease to develop in your teeth and gums. Two other factors, stress and wearing a mask for hours at a time, also produce conditions that give way to disease. In a nutshell, this time of year can produce conditions that are likely to cause problems with your teeth and gums without proper care.

Hints for a Busy Person
You may be one of the people who has a list a mile long of things to accomplish in the next few weeks. At the end of the day, all you want to do is collapse in bed and rest. Brushing and flossing can wait until morning when you have more energy. But while you are sleeping, those bad bacteria are proliferating in your mouth, producing acids and toxins that are eating away at tooth enamel and irritating gums into gingivitis.

Fortunately, there are simple things you can do throughout the day that will help keep your mouth healthy.

• Stay hydrated – Keeping your mouth and body hydrated through the day will go a long way in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, especially if you must wear a mask.
• Use disposable toothbrushes – These handy little devices are small and discreet and some even come with toothpaste already loaded. A quick trip to the restroom is all that is needed for you to brush between meals.
• Floss when you can – Perhaps you have pulled up to a stoplight and seen someone in the next car over using a flossing device. It may not be all that private, but they are attending to their oral health.
• Eat healthy, crunchy foods – Believe it or not, carrots, apples and such types of foods are good for your body and teeth. In addition to providing healthy vitamins, they also serve as natural toothbrushes to help remove some of the food particles from your teeth. It is no substitute for regular brushing, but in a pinch, it helps.
• Make your oral health a priority – Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and that can only happen when you take care of them.

Engineered Smiles can help ensure that your smile stays healthy for years to come. Call us today to schedule an appointment for an exam. You deserve a beautiful smile.