Naughty & Nice Oral Health Habits | Delta Dental of Arkansas

The holidays are here, and that means sweets and treats around every turn. While you’re enjoying all the food and fun of the season, make sure you’re being as kind as you can to your smile.

Naughty

Don’t crack nuts with your teeth.

Although protein found in nuts helps keep muscles and bones strong, you shouldn’t test the strength of your teeth by shelling nuts with them. The hard surface of most nutshells can cause serious tooth and gum damage, and may even crack teeth.

Nice

Brush twice daily.

Don’t skip brushing before bed, which helps remove a whole day’s worth of food particles, bacteria and plaque. Skipping this step allows plaque to rest against teeth all night, which, over time, can be harmful to your gums and tooth enamel. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities!

Naughty

Pass on chewy treats.

Holiday candy dishes are often loaded with treats that can harm your teeth. Sticky substances cling to enamel and encourage decay, and thick candies, like caramel and taffy, can even yank out fillings. Eat these sweets sparingly and along with other foods to help keep the treats from sticking to your teeth

Nice

Floss daily.

Flossing at least once a day is an essential part of oral health – it helps keep plaque at bay and can reduce your risk of gum disease and gingivitis. Plus, it keeps breath fresh and your smile looking its best!

Naughty

Use proper tools to open packages and bottles.

We know you’re excited to rip into that gift, but your teeth are not the right tools for the task. Gripping a package or stubborn bottle cap with your teeth can crack them, possibly requiring a root canal and a crown. Give your mouth a great gift – reach for scissors or a bottle opener instead.

Nice

Drink more water.

Drinking water is just as beneficial for your mouth as it is for the rest of your body. Staying hydrated can prevent dry mouth and helps rinse food particles and bacteria away from teeth. Choose water over sugar-sweetened beverages or alcohol with your holiday meals to cut down on calories and reduce the risks to your teeth.

HINT: A new toothbrush, flavored floss and a cool water bottle are great, smile-friendly stocking stuffers!

Naughty

Avoid chewing on hard candy or ice cubes.

Crunching on ice or hard candy can lead to cracked or chipped teeth, which are painful – and pricey to treat. Whether you’re enjoying a sweet or finishing the ice in your cocktail, let it dissolve naturally in your mouth. Chewing on hard objects puts too much stress on teeth.

While we’re on the subject of chewing and crunching, learn more about 3 common harmful biting habits and how to break them.

Nice

Make your next dental appointment.

Seeing a dentist regularly means that any oral health issues you may have can be identified early, saving you time and money in the long run. Plus, people who visit the dentist on a regular basis tend to have better oral health and better overall health, so it’s well worth your time.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Delta Dental of Arkansas!