The holiday season is around the corner, and a lot of your favorite meals and desserts you will be enjoying will have lots of sugar and starch! Which means the risk of tooth decay in the weeks and months to come can increase. But we have a few tips for avoiding tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about safeguarding smiles against holiday cavities.
The Causes of Tooth Decay (and the Link to the Holidays)
How does the sugar and starch in your holiday dishes threaten your oral health? The particles of sugar and starch can cling to the outside of the teeth and become trapped between them. When this happens, bacteria has a chance to break them down and consume them, which creates a layer of plaque and tartar to coat the teeth and weaken the enamel, eroding this protective layer so bacteria can then reach the dentin underneath. A cavity then forms, which can be a source of tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and becomes an infection that threatens smile stability without treatment. But we want to help you avoid tooth decay altogether during the holiday season and the months to come!
Tips for Safeguarding Your Smile
How do you protect your smile? Moderation is important! Don’t go overboard on options with lots of sugar and starch, and balance your plate with items like fresh fruits and vegetables, which can help scrub away these particles when you consume them. Following your meals, particularly your dessert, with water to help to rinse away sugar and starch particles. You can excuse yourself after your meal to floss, and make sure you brush twice a day and floss every evening during your out-of-town visits and get-together. You should also make time to see our team before the season gets too busy!
Prevention from Our Team
With a checkup and cleaning now, we can weaken your smile and identify signs of trouble, offering care before your schedule fills up with events and celebrations. We can also clean your teeth during this initial visit to remove plaque and tartar completely to keep your teeth and gums strong. For children, we could offer preventive treatments to help lower their risk of cavities, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants, so they can enjoy healthier and stronger smiles.
If you have any questions about avoiding cavities this time of year, or about using your remaining dental benefits before they expire, then reach out to our team today!
Lake Orion Family Dentistry Talks About Preventive Dentistry
Our team wants to help you enjoy good oral health throughout the holiday season and beyond. To find out more about protecting smiles from tooth decay, or to schedule an appointment, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI at (248)693-6213.
