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Caring For Your Teeth During the Holiday Season in Great Neck, New York

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, the holiday season is a joyous, festive time to enjoy the company of those near and dear to your heart. It’s also a time of indulgence and gift-giving. And one of the major indulgences and go-to gifts during this time of year are sugary treats. The following are some simple, easy-to-follow recommendations for caring for your teeth during the holidays!

Don’t Go Overboard on Sweet Treats

The most wonderful time of the year is often filled with popcorn balls, cookies, candy canes, and other sweet treats. And this non-stop sugar rush can do a lot of damage to your teeth if you go overboard. Bacteria love to eat sugar. When the bacteria in your mouth break down sugar, they release acid, weakening your tooth enamel and making way for cavities and tooth decay. However, “reducing the amount of sugar in holiday treats can be easy! If you swap out as much white sugar with fruit or nuts, you will add more nutritional value and less of that acid” on your teeth.

But we know that it can be incredibly challenging to pass up beloved holiday treats altogether. So if you prefer not to skip out entirely, opt for moderation. Pick your favorite dessert and brush your teeth when you’re done eating it. This will effectively expose your teeth to less sugar than if you were to snack non-stop, reducing your risk of tooth decay.

Making Smart Snacking Choices

One poor snacking choice can result in costly dental damage and lots of pain. Don’t risk breaking your tooth for a nut. If you can’t find the nutcracker, opt for another snack.

Moreover, many popular holiday sweet treats can be tweaked and edited to be a little less unhealthy. For example, cutting down the amount of sugar in the filling and skipping out on whipped cream can make pumpkin pie, which is relatively high in fiber, a healthier option. And opting for almond flour instead of bleached white flour can make a substantial difference in the number of carbohydrates in a cookie or pie. Soft cheeses are also a great alternative. Significantly lower in sugar, cheeses can neutralize acids that weaken tooth enamel!

Don’t Skip Your Dental Checkup

It’s critical to keep your scheduled dental checkups if they happen to fall during the holiday season. Think of it as giving yourself the gift of good oral hygiene!

Dr. Julie Liberman DDS of Great Neck Dental Care NY proudly serves patients of all ages in the Great Neck area, spanning New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Douglaston, Jericho, Roslyn, etc. Book your checkup today to beat the holiday sugar rush and maintain good dental health.