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Variety
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Holiday Survival Guide for Your Smile
submitted by Dr. Catharine Goodson!
The holidays are upon us, and ‘tis the season for a bit of togetherness (and
a lot of indulgence). We don’t all celebrate the same holidays or adhere to
the same belief systems, but there is one thing that seems to unite us all:
comfort food.
Cold weather and sweets go hand-in-hand. Even in warmer climates, it’s
difficult to dissuade dreams of sugar plums after a good night of classic
movies with your family. So, while this "soul food" may be good for your
spirits, take a moment to think about what it’s doing to your teeth.
How Could Something So Good Be So Bad?
Sugar can wreck havoc on your pearly whites. It’s a complicated process, but
here’s the scoop. Bacteria in your mouth use your sweets as energy, growing
and multiplying faster than they would otherwise. Some bond with the sugar
to form a sticky glue called plaque. Plaque, in turn, produces acid. The
acid dissolves the minerals that make your tooth enamel hard, and the
surface becomes porous. The acid causes these tiny holes in the enamel to
become bigger until one large hole appears. This is a cavity.
Does This Mean No More?
While ideally we would never expose our teeth to sugar or anything else that
promotes tooth decay, that’s just not realistic. All we can do is try to
minimize the damage. Don’t let your holiday routine interrupt your dental
care regimen. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride
toothpaste (unless you’re a young tyke), and floss at least once.
If you decide to indulge in more sweets than usual, it’s a good idea to
brush more often. If you don’t have your toothbrush on hand, rinse your
mouth out with warm water. Certain sugar-free gums can help as well. Choose
those with Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can help prevent tooth
decay. And finally, try to mix up your snacks. If you’re eating a sugary
treat, try to also eat a bit of cheese (or a similar protein) as well.
Nothing warms a chilly night like a big smile, so be sure to protect yours.
Please do not hesitate to call us at (281)332-6964 if you have questions
regarding proper dental care, or would like to schedule a check-up or
cleaning. As always, your continued good health is our top priority.
If you have questions regarding dental health, please call our office at
(281)332-6964 or email us at
dr.goodson@clearcreekdentalcare.com
today.
Best Regards,
Dr. Catharine Goodson
P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our
services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take
good care of them.
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