During the upcoming holiday season, you and your family will be inundated with foods and drinks containing lots of sugar and starch, which could then lead to tooth decay. Which is why we have a few tips for fighting tooth decay! In today’s blog, your Syosset, NY, dentist talks about preventing cavities and using your 2024 dental benefits before they expire!
How Sugar and Starch Cause Cavities
Many of our Thanksgiving staples, from sweet potato casserole to muffins and biscuits, have a lot of starch in them. Our desserts, like pies and cookies, have a lot of sugar. When we consume foods and drinks with these ingredients, this leaves behind particles that feed harmful bacteria and allow plaque buildup to form, which weakens enamel and irritates gum tissues to increase the risk of cavities and gingivitis. We don’t want you to skip your favorite items, but we have a few ideas on how to limit your risk of cavities and still end 2024 with a healthy smile.
Taking Steps During the Holidays
When you sit down to eat, be sure you drink water with your meal to help rinse away the particles of sugar and starch. You should also consider fresh fruits and veggies with your meal. Did you know that fresh carrots, broccoli, and apples can help scrub away the particles of sugar and starch as you eat them? You can also floss after your meal to remove what is trapped between the teeth. Be sure that throughout the holiday season you continue to brush your teeth for two minutes when you wake up and then again before bed, and also floss every evening. These actions are crucial for fighting harmful buildup and the risk of tooth decay.
Seeing Our Team
You should also consider an appointment to see our team! Now is a great time, as you can undergo a checkup and receive treatment before the holiday season becomes too hectic, and before the year ends. If you have dental insurance benefits or health savings account funds, then you have benefits or money that will expire on midnight of December 31st unless used. We want to help you put these to use before they’re gone, so you can enjoy better oral health and a more attractive smile in 2025.
If you have any questions about checkups, dental benefits, or better care at home during the holiday season, contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you smile with confidence!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry
We want you to enjoy the holiday season with a bright smile free of tooth decay. To learn more about protecting your smile from cavities, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
