Guidelines for Oral Health Happiness During the Holidays

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From our entire team at Vernon Woods Dental and Implant Center, we would like to wish you a happy and joyous holiday season! To continue enjoying a healthy smile, keep practicing safe and effective oral health habits. Following are just a few scenarios to outline some the risks your smile may be facing during the holidays:

Question: What else can I do to protect myself during the holiday season?
Answer: Ice skating can be loads of fun, but falling can be dangerous. Make sure you wear proper safety gear including a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums. This also applies to other outdoor winter activities that can be dangerous to your mouth (such as hockey, sledding, and skiing).

Question: What are some other holiday habits that can help me other than brushing and flossing?
Answer: Although brushing and flossing are two of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums safe, there are a few other habits that you can do yourself to protect your teeth. If you indulge in holiday fare and can’t brush, sugarless gum can help the body produce saliva, which fights against cavities and harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Question: What are some treats that can pose health care risks this holiday season?
Answer: You should be wary of:

  • chewy candies (such as taffy and gummies) that can stick to your teeth and gums
  • hard candies (such as jumbo candy canes, peppermint bark, or peanut brittle) that can chip or crack teeth
  • popcorn balls and popcorn kernels that can chip or crack teeth
  • nuts that can get wedged between teeth
  • such as hard cookies and crackers

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Tantuco, please contact Vernon Woods Dental and Implant Center at our office in Sandy Springs, Georgia by calling us at 404-381-1734. May your smile be merry and bright!