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The holiday season is upon us! As you prepare to gather with your loved ones for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or other celebrations, you may be wondering how your oral health will be affected. At Cascade Dental Group LLC, we believe that you shouldn't have to miss out on any of the good cheer this holiday season. With these easy tips, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums without compromising your celebrations. Schedule an appointment to learn more!

Special Dental Care Tips for Children and Seniors During Christmas

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it's important to remember the importance of oral health, especially for children and seniors. As Christmas approaches, here are some special dental care tips to ensure everyone in your family maintains a healthy smile throughout the festivities. For children, with all the sweets and treats that come with Christmas, it's crucial to remind them about proper brushing and flossing habits. Encourage them to limit sugary snacks and drinks to prevent cavities. Seniors may have unique dental needs due to age-related factors like dry mouth or side effects from medication. Make sure they stay hydrated and use products specifically designed for their oral health requirements. Regular dental check-ups with our dentist in Salem, OR, are essential for both children and seniors during this busy time of year. Schedule appointments before or after the holidays so that everyone can start the new year with a bright smile!

Avoid Sticky, Sugary Treats

It's fun to indulge on special occasions like the holidays and give in to your sweet tooth. However, practicing good oral hygiene and limiting the sweets you eat can help prevent cavities from forming and ensure that you maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Sticky candies are the worst offenders for causing cavities because they stick to your teeth and feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. If you must eat candy over the holidays, avoid eating a sticky one and try to brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible afterward.

Drink Water After Meals

Drinking water after a meal prevents tooth decay and dry mouth. The water helps to wash food particles off of your teeth, which stops bacteria from sticking to your teeth and causing cavities. Also, this reduces your risk of having a holiday toothache – the tooth pain that occurs as a result of eating too many sweets or drinking too much alcohol.

If you have eaten a big meal, it is important to drink water to help your body digest the large quantity of food that you consumed. This will also help to minimize digestive distress, like heartburn or indigestion. It is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep up with your fluid intake. Not only does it help to prevent dehydration, but it also flushes away bacteria and toxins from the body. This helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy as well. Staying hydrated also keeps your saliva flowing. Saliva is the body's natural way to wash away bacteria and protect tooth enamel. If you are dehydrated, the saliva in your mouth will be less able to remove food and acid debris from your mouth before it has a chance to cause damage.

Brush and Floss Every Day

Even when you're eating a lot of sweets this holiday season, it's important to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. The holidays are a great time to incorporate new oral health habits like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and regular flossing. By keeping up with your oral care routine, you can prevent tooth decay and other issues that can come from neglecting your oral health.

It's normal to brush your teeth more often during the holiday season. However, be careful not to brush too hard, as this can wear down tooth enamel or irritate your gums. Also, remember to keep up with your regular flossing. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can't access. This helps reduce your risk of developing cavities. 

If you want to learn more about us, feel free to contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Salem, OR. Our doctors and team are always here to help your smile stay healthy!