Tips for Toothbrushing During the Holiday Season!

When it comes to treats, there are some that can be worse than others. Candies like candy cane and licorice seem innocent enough but they’re actually quite damaging for your teeth. Here are some tips for how to protect smiles young and old this season!

When your child is a patient at Li’l Sunshine Smiles, our entire focus is on your children. Patients of Li’l Sunshine Smiles become a part of our dental family and enter a safe environment devoted to excellent oral hygiene habits and healthy attitudes towards dental visits/health.  Call 813-576-0200 today to make an appointment!

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Brushing teeth is the most important part in maintaining good oral hygiene.  It should also be a regular activity, twice a day for two minutes each time.  Though it’s not much time spent in terms of hours in a day, it does take effort and commitment to do something that can help prevent plaque buildup and decay.  However, during the holidays, activities like attending parties, dinners with family/friends and shopping can lead to less brushing. Make time to care for your pearly whites to keep plaque from building!

Tooth Sensitivity

You may be wondering just how winter is impacting your sensitive teeth. Teeth that are sensitive to temperature changes or hot and cold food and beverages can arise from a variety of issues.

Change Your Toothbrush or How You Brush

Many factors contribute to tooth sensitivity, from the foods we eat to the way we brush. If you think one of these factors might be causing your dental trouble, consider using an electric or battery-powered toothbrush as it’s gentler on gums and surrounding tissue than a manual toothbrush.

Mouthguards or Sleep Apnea

If you have a mouthguard for sleep apnea, try putting it in before bedtime as well as waking up to reduce morning pain. In addition, mouthwashes containing fluoride are excellent at protecting teeth from the effects of enamel erosion.

Reduce Sugars and Acidic Foods/Drinks

Cut back on sugary or acidic foods and beverages, as these can decrease tooth enamel over time. For more information about proper oral hygiene procedures, talk to Dr. Botero for advice.

Tips When Heading to a Party

First, at least two hours before any holiday get-together or event (especially parties/dinners), brush your teeth and use a fluoride mouthwash.  Do not forget to carry your toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste with you!  Everyone should do this, even if they can’t go near a bathroom.

Second, make sure to remind family members that have braces to pay extra attention when brushing their teeth!  Brush the backside of the wire carefully with a separate toothbrush in order to remove food which can get caught up in between brackets.  In addition to that, be very careful while flossing around metal wires because it is easy for them to get caught up in between.  Brush both the teeth and wire carefully, but gently.

Don’t forget to toss them after three months of use!  The reason for is because the bristles become bent which can cause your gums to recede more compared to when using a clean brush.

Electric Toothbrushes

Consider an electric toothbrush if possible–such as one that comes with a timer–since this will help remind you how long you brushed for or what quadrant of your mouth you should be brushing at any time.  This also helps keep track of how often you have brushed your teeth.

Brush Your Teeth After Eating Sugar

Lastly, after eating or drinking anything sugary (e.g. candy or soda), be sure to brush your teeth!  Even though it is best if you brush right away when teeth are still clean; sometimes that may not always be possible.  But no matter what, brushing at least 30 minutes after eating will help keep your mouth and breath fresh and reduce the risk of getting cavities.

I hope these fun and helpful tips were able to make this holiday season a little more enjoyable for all of you!  Happy Holidays from all of us at Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry!

Call 813-576-0200 today to make an appointment! for a cleaning and exam to start the new year right!