It’s that time of year again, and the holidays are upon us. For many, that means binge eating, overeating, indulging ourselves in those exquisitely delicious holiday sweets and treats. Health measures usually take a back seat during this period as people enjoy the warmth of the holiday season and indulge themselves in those unhealthy eating habits that come with it. The sugary menu available to us during the holidays is vast and offers endless possibilities for those who are looking to indulge this festive season.

In fact, as we rejoice at the endless food options available to us during the holidays, so do the bacteria in our mouths. Excessive sugary food intake, and overall excessive food intake in general, and lack of adequate dental hygiene measures gives these bacteria, that live restricted, the opportunity to multiply and break rampant. Once lose, without proper hygiene measures being taken, they begin work causing dental disease. From the diseases the most common being; cavities, periodontal disease, and gingival disease. Gum disease is primarily as a result of plaque build-up.

But luckily for us, our teeth can be saved using simple habits and measures that we can personally take to improve our dental health. So, no need for dismay, here are some simple tips and measures that you can take this festive season to make sure you enjoy your holiday without having to worry about your teeth decaying;

• Drink more water. Water helps to remove leftover food in the mouth after a meal and it also provides a protective aspect as it dilutes the concentration of certain harmful substrates in the mouth. Also, the more hydrated one is the more saliva production available. Saliva contains enzymes that break down foods and also is theorized to have antibiotic properties.
• Binge on foods rich in fiber. The thought of binging on vegetables may be counterintuitive to many, but the benefits to overall health and dental health are truly cementable. Fiber-rich foods like apples, whole wheat bread, vegetables, legumes, are all miles apart from sugary treats when it comes to benefits that they offer you in terms of your overall health.
• Avoid foods that have a sticky texture and have a tendency to stick to teeth. Examples of such foods are; taffy, caramel, and fudge. If desires overcome our best interests, then make sure to not overindulge and to perform dental hygiene measures later, and that includes flossing.
• Eat sensibly and be mindful of what you put in your mouth. Portions and quality of food are important for health in general, and general health is directly related to oral health.
• Although the holidays may be a time to sit back and relax, let it not be a time to ignore our obligations to our dental health. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash is among the arsenal against the disease-causing bacteria that inhabit our mouths.

Remember that your teeth are non-refundable, you cannot return them and buy another pair, we only get one set of permanent teeth. So to all those reading this article, I hope to see your smiles shine just as bright or even brighter during the year to come. Happy holidays to all.