{"id":1002,"date":"2016-12-07T17:00:40","date_gmt":"2016-12-07T17:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.libertyvilledentist.com\/PlottingwithPotts\/?p=1002"},"modified":"2022-08-11T11:09:49","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T16:09:49","slug":"12-dental-tips-happy-healthy-holiday-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/libertyvilledentist.com\/PlottingwithPotts\/2016\/12\/07\/12-dental-tips-happy-healthy-holiday-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Dental Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Make

Make sure all Santa is bringing is their two front teeth — not an emergency trip to the dentist.<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s the most wonderful time of the year.<\/h2>\n

What\u2019s there not to love about Christmas?! The parties\u2026 the presents\u2026 and of course, the sweet treats!<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no doubt that your family\u2019s dental health can take a hit during the holidays, but we want to make sure you don\u2019t get an unexpected gift of an emergency trip to the dentist.<\/p>\n

For fun, we\u2019ve come up with a dentist\u2019s version of \u201cThe 12 Days of Christmas\u201d that includes 12 dental tips to keep the smiles happy and healthy during the holidays and throughout the New Year!<\/h2>\n

#1 – Brush your teeth two minutes\/two times per day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cutting your brushing routine short can leave your teeth and gums susceptible to bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. And this doesn’t just apply to the kiddos — adults need to follow the two minute rule, too!<\/p>\n

#2 \u2013 Go soft.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people brush too hard, which can wear down enamel, irritate the gums and increase sensitivity. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with light, even pressure.<\/p>\n

#3 \u2013 Power Up.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Electric toothbrushes offer a vibrating\/circulating head that has many cleaning benefits. If the higher-end rechargeable models don\u2019t fit into your family’s budget, even battery-powered, electric toothbrushes will work.<\/p>\n

#4 \u2013 Offer the sweets, but don\u2019t forget the healthy treats.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not a holiday party without the cookies and candy, but don\u2019t forget to offer some healthy alternatives like a veggie or meat\/cheese trays. Carrots, celery and broccoli can clean the teeth, while meats boast protein and cheese helps neutralize the acid in alcoholic beverages.<\/p>\n

#5 \u2013 Watch out for those candy canes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Candy canes<\/em> take forever to eat, and they coat your teeth<\/em> with high levels of sugar. If you\u2019re a “chomper” you can easily crack or break a tooth. While it\u2019s better to let them dissolve or melt in your mouth, make sure to at least rinse right after eating if you can\u2019t brush.<\/p>\n

\"While

While these yummy candies seem harmless, eat too many and the constant exposure to sugar can ruin your teeth.<\/p><\/div>\n

#6 \u2013 Teeth are not a tool.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When it comes to ripping open gifts, cutting tags off clothing or unscrewing bottle caps\u2026 your teeth should not be used in place of pliers or scissors! The last thing you need is an emergency trip to the dentist to fix a cracked or broken tooth.<\/p>\n

#7 \u2013 Keep hydrated.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Water can keep hunger at bay and re-hydrate the body. It\u2019s also rinses away any sticky, sugary residue.<\/p>\n

# 8 \u2013 Don\u2019t forget to brush your tongue.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your tongue is susceptible to bacteria and that can translate to \u201cdragon\u201d breath. Brushing or scraping your tongue is an important part of dental hygiene.<\/p>\n

#9 \u2013 Don\u2019t get \u201cwine-y\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Red wine can stain your teeth. And if you think white is better, neither one is particularly good for your teeth. Drink wine with food and be sure to brush as soon as you can.<\/p>\n

#10 \u2013 Don\u2019t sip too much soda.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While we all love soda, it\u2019s packed with sugar and the acid can damage your teeth. Opt for lightly carbonated flavored waters, and if soda is the only choice, drink from a straw.<\/p>\n

#11 \u2013 Don\u2019t \u201ceat\u201d the ice.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While blenders are perfect for crunching ice cubes, teeth are not. Also be careful when chewing popcorn or nuts.<\/p>\n

#12 \u2013 Always carry sugar-free gum.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you can\u2019t brush, chewing sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol after meals and snacks can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria in plaque.<\/p>\n

The holidays should be filled with happy times, not stressful or painful trips to the dentist.<\/h2>\n

Keep these tips in mind and remember, if a dental emergency comes up, we’re here to help! All of us at Lake County Dental Care wish you and yours a blessed and wonderful Christmas and New Year!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"emergencyDr. Potts is a gentle, caring dentist uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition technical proficiency, Dr. Potts is a careful listener. He makes sure to understand what you want and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs, along with all options available to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s the most wonderful time of the year. What\u2019s there not to love about Christmas?! The parties\u2026 the presents\u2026 and of course, the sweet treats! There\u2019s no doubt that your family\u2019s dental health can take a hit during the holidays, but we want to make sure you don\u2019t get an unexpected gift of an emergency […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1006,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[316,110,633,42,43,274],"class_list":{"0":"post-1002","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-dentistry","8":"tag-cavities","9":"tag-christmas","10":"tag-christmas-candy-and-teeth","11":"tag-dental-care","12":"tag-dental-health","13":"tag-oral-health","14":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n12 Dental Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Smile - Plotting with Dr. Potts<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/libertyvilledentist.com\/PlottingwithPotts\/2016\/12\/07\/12-dental-tips-happy-healthy-holiday-smile\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"12 Dental Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Smile - Plotting with Dr. Potts\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It\u2019s the most wonderful time of the year. 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