With the holiday season in full swing, you'll likely attend many parties and gatherings with your loved ones. However, these festivities heavily revolve around food, which can jeopardize oral health. While a dentist can provide effective treatment for cavities, it's best to avoid them in the first place. Here are a few steps to ensure a healthy smile while celebrating with friends and family. 

3 Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health During the Holidays

1. Limit Your Consumption of Alcohol

Alcohol is associated with many poor health effects, including oral issues like cavities and gum disease. It dries out the mouth, limiting saliva production. This fluid helps wash away cavity-causing bacteria, so without it, the microorganisms have the perfect environment to thrive. 

Alcohol also delays healing, which means gum damage becomes a greater concern. Besides limiting your intake of these beverages, drink plenty of water to hydrate the mouth and wash away any residual alcohol.

2. Choose Your Snacks Carefully

Sweets like cookies and cakes are tempting, but they can also wreak havoc on your smile. While it's okay to enjoy sugary treats occasionally, you should eat them in moderation. 

When faced with snacks at holiday parties, go for nuts, apples, and hard cheeses over anything with lots of sugar. In addition to being nutritious, healthier options boost saliva production and scrub tooth enamel as you chew.

3. Enhance Your Dental Care Regimen

If you're traveling over the holidays, don't forget to bring along your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. You should also have mouthwash to rinse after meals when you can't brush right away. To avoid forgetting these items, pack them first when preparing your bags.

Once the holidays are over, schedule a checkup with Patrick T. Hunter, DDS, to ensure good oral hygiene. For over 19 years, this family-owned dentistry practice has proudly offered reliable services to patients throughout Dayton, OH. In addition to checkups and cleanings, they provide cosmetic enhancements and restorative procedures, all in a relaxed and soothing office environment. Schedule an appointment with a dentist by calling (937) 890-8957, and learn more about their services by visiting the website.