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It’s that time of year again! Everyone’s favorite holiday is just around the corner, and with it come sweets, candy, and more sweet treats than you could possibly imagine. Unfortunately, all of that sugar can have a negative impact on your oral health. While you should definitely enjoy the season in moderation, there are things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy during the holidays. Here are some oral health tips for Christmas to keep in mind this year.

• First, be aware of how much sugar you’re consuming. Sweets are delicious, and they’re everywhere this time of year, but it’s important to remember that they have a high amount of sugar in them. Eating too much sugary food can lead to tooth decay and even cavities, so if you’re feeling tempted to overindulge, try to stick to foods that are low in sugar. If you really want to eat something sweet, go for dark chocolate instead. Dark chocolate has antioxidants in it that can fight free radicals in your body. It also doesn’t contain as much sugar as milk chocolate, so it won’t have such a negative impact on your dental health.
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Even though the holidays are busy, take time each day to brush your teeth thoroughly. This will help reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth. When you finish brushing, make sure you don’t forget about flossing. Flossing helps remove more plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach, and it also helps get rid of the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath. Even if you don’t have time to get to the dentist’s office for a professional cleaning this holiday season, taking care of your teeth at home can help. Be sure to change your toothbrush every three or four months as well, or sooner if the bristles start fraying out.
• Drink plenty of water. Drinking water throughout the day can help keep you hydrated and also rinse away any acid that is left behind after eating foods high in acid. This can help reduce the amount of damage to your teeth that is done from eating acidic foods. You can also
• Some fruitcakes can be full of added sugars and artificial flavorings. While eating a small piece of fruit cake probably won’t cause much damage to your oral health, it is best to avoid white flour and sugar when possible to keep your teeth healthy. Instead of indulging in cake this holiday season, be sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and veggies in your diet! 

If you’re due for a checkup and cleaning, call us at (719) 434-6630 or visit us at 320 E Fontanero St #302, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.