As we head into the holidays, it’s important to keep your teeth in mind.
The Ontario Dental Association has offered some tips to keep your ‘pearly whites’ pearly white.
Stress: This time of year can be hard for some people and with the added strain of pandemic life, it can really take a toll. Dentists have seen a spike in cases of teeth grinding which can lead to headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity and cracked or broken teeth. Your dentist can make you a custom mouth guard to relieve the pressure. Massage, stretching, exercise and other relaxation techniques can also help.
Alcohol: Whether it’s wine, beer, sprits or champagne, alcohol can be tough on your teeth because of carbonation and sugary, acidic mixers like pop, juice or egg nog. Red wine and dark beer can also stain your teeth. Try swishing with water to neutralize the acids and rinse your mouth.
Smoking, vaping and marijuana: If you can’t quit, at least try to cut back because these habits can cause problems like inflammation, dry mouth and stained teeth. Tobacco use can also lead to oral cancer, and THC can weaken your immune system.
Sugar: Hard sweets like candy canes bathe your mouth in sugar and can also crack teeth if you bite down on them. Chewy treats like caramels aren’t just loaded with sugar, they can even rip out fillings, if you’re not careful! Cookies, cakes and other pastries are popular this time of year but it’s not just the sugar to watch out for, residue can get lodged in between teeth. Sugar-free chewing gum can help with that or eating a bit of cheese before sweets can provide a protective, vitamin-rich coating on your teeth.
