Healthy Options

We want to wish all our patients a happy holiday season!

To help everyone in your family keep a bright and healthy smile during this busy and party-filled time, here are some dental tips for everyone in your family to follow throughout the season:

#1 Be cautious of candy canes – Hard candy is everywhere during the holidays from candy canes to peppermints, but it can crack your teeth if you bite down wrong. It may be better to let candies dissolve to prevent any chipping or other damage. Be sure to brush thoroughly after eating candy of any kind.

#2 Stay clear of soda and juice – Holiday parties are rife with soda and sweet drinks. If you want something bubbly, try fizzy water rather than soda. Sometimes we drink what is easiest to grab. Try setting out a pitcher of water for a helpful reminder that it’s an option.

#3 Take more turkey – One holiday food that’s great for your teeth is turkey. It’s a great source of phosphorus and protein – both of which can help your body fight tooth decay and keep your teeth strong and healthy.

#4 Stock your stockings well – Christmas stockings are often chock full of sugary treats that can cause your children to get cavities. Instead ask Santa to consider eliminating candy altogether, stick to one sweet item and/or ask for a cool new toothbrush as part of the holiday loot.

#5 Dip into veggies – At holiday events, skip the trays of Christmas cookies and brownies and instead fill your plate with veggies. Broccoli and carrots are great treats for your teeth because they’re loaded with Vitamin A which strengthens your enamel.

#6 Carol while you clean – Optimal tooth brushing last about two minutes. Hum along a few verses of a holiday tune with while you help your child brush.  Likely your child will brush long enough to clean their teeth, gums and tongue, too!

#7 Don’t use your teeth as a tool – The holidays come with packages to open, tape to apply to presents and loads of other things you may be tempted to break open or cut with your teeth. Don’t do it! Using your teeth as a tool can cause chips and breaks.

#8 Fill up on fruit – Instead of piling on sugary desserts at your holiday meal, turn to fruit instead. If you’re having a big dinner or party, rather than prepping a number of cakes and pies, try sticking to one sweet dessert along with a big fruit plate.

#9 Say goodbye to grazing – At the holidays, we often have spreads of food left out all the time. Grazing all day can put your teeth at greater risk for decay. Instead of leaving out treats and snacks, only put out food for mealtimes and then stash the food away.

#10 Make the holiday meaningful – Holiday parties and meals can be so much fun, but it’s ok to take the focus off of food! Give your teeth a break and set up activities with your family like board and card games, craft projects or holiday movie marathons.

Here at GCPD we hope you have a safe, happy and healthy holiday and we can’t wait to see your bright smile in the coming New Year.

Happy Holidays!