What Your Dentist Wants You To Keep In Mind This Holiday Season

Happy holidays from your friendly family dentist at Frank Dalena D.M.D., who’ll know if you’ve been naughty or nice during your next regular checkup, which we hope is right around the corner! Of course, we’re well aware that no holiday would be complete without a tempting array of delicious food, but we’d like you to keep in mind that some indulgences can affect your oral health more than others.

Here are a few quick suggestions we’d like you to consider when making your choices at the holiday table this year:

• Hydration station: Water is the smart beverage choice this holiday season. Good old H20 is invaluable when it comes to washing away food particles and sugar, plus it helps prevent dry mouth. Stay away from soda and eggnog, which contain enough sugar and acids to inflict serious harm to your teeth.

• Be fruitful: Sure, there’ll be plenty of sugary temptations on hand, but you can curb the urge to overindulge with fruit like apples and pears, which are also staples of the holiday table. And don’t pass on the veggies, either!

• Sweet redemption: While some indulgence is to be expected, steer clear of hard treats, such as candy canes and nuts, which can chip or crack your teeth, and those sticky candies like caramels and toffee, which can get stuck between your teeth and be hard to dislodge. 

• Routine maintenance: Although the holidays present many temptations, resist the temptation to stray from your oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time and floss at least once. If you’re away from home, be sure to pack a travel kit with fluoride toothpaste, a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss. 

There’s no better time to schedule a post-holiday visit to our dentist at Frank Dalena D.M.D. than right now! A thorough checkup and professional cleaning is the perfect way to jumpstart your new year! Please contact us today for an appointment. 

By Frank Dalena D.M.D.

January 2, 2024