With the holiday season comes festivities and the consumption of foods and drinks that aren’t necessarily great for your teeth. It may also be that you’re holidaying away from home or travelling, which changes your routine and what you would normally eat. Our dental clinic in Hawthorn is here to help you manage your oral hygiene in any of these situations.
The best first step before travel or holiday season is to see your dentist. Hawthorn is one of the areas that many of our clients comes from for expert dental advice, given our dental clinic is located in Hawthorn East.
Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleans
We recommend you attend a check up, clean and maintenance. Let your dentist know of your plans for extra tips on how to look after your teeth during the holidays. Your dentist will advise on how often you should see us to ensure optimal oral health.
What your Dentist in Hawthorn Advises not to do During Holidays
Holidays are about relaxing but when it comes to your dental care, that’s not the approach you want to take with your teeth.
- Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks, Alcohol and Sodas
Hard candies, sweet desserts, chocolates and chewy lollies are best avoided. However if you are going to have the odd one then it’s best to consume in small quantities and directly after a meal. This allows you to take advantage of the saliva produced whilst eating a meal and for food particles to be broken down.
Consider bringing your own plate of something healthy for festivities. Hosts usually are grateful for the additional food.
If you do want a sweet drink then consider taking a cold pressed juice (with the pulp in for fibre).
- Don’t go out dining or to a celebration hungry as you’re more likely to consume foods you wouldn’t. Have a healthy snack before you leave such as some carrot sticks and hommus. Further, give conscious thought to what you are consuming. Don’t rush it and enjoy the flavours.
- Choose to have water with your meal. It’s great for your teeth, hydration and as a result, production of saliva.
- Keep a brushing routine.
It’s important to maintain brushing and flossing to assist in the removal of food particles building up between your teeth. If you are out at a festivity then rinse your mouth with some water after your meal.
Other Tips to Look after your Teeth During Holidays
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottles or to crack nuts. It’s a bad party trick. It’s simply not worth the risk of cracking or chipping your tooth. If damage is done, you could be in a lot of pain and then left trying to find an emergency dentist near you.
- Stay hydrated. Being out and about during holidays may also mean you are out in the heat. Optimum hydration is great for your energy, body and for the production of saliva. This means you are less likely to have dry mouth problems and plaque build-up when supported with regular brushing and flossing.
- If you are baking for a special occasion, consider processed sugar alternatives such as coconut sugar, pure maple syrup and stevia. Research in advance for recipes that are healthier.
- Avoid crunching on ice as you may chip a tooth.
- If you are travelling remotely then pack a tooth brush, floss, small cup and bottled water including a small disposal bag. This will allow you to rinse your tooth brush and rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing.
If you do have any tooth problems with your teeth during the holidays and need a dentist in Hawthorn then our team at Hawthorn East Dental welcome you. You’ll be nicely surprised by our approach and expertise. Book in a dental appointment today.
