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Keeping Your Smile Healthy During The Holidays

Keeping Your Smile Healthy During The Holidays

With Thanksgiving officially over and Christmas around the corner, we all know what it feels like to be in the middle of the busy, exciting, and sometimes excessive holiday season. Christmas parties, New Year's celebrations, office gatherings, and friends and family coming in from out of town just have a way of turning into food and drink events. Gathered around the tree and the fireplace, we often comfort ourselves in the colder, darker winter months with snacks, sweets, champagne, and more.

While it is okay to do everything as long as you don't do it in excess, sometimes that line gets blurry when your aunt shows up with a tray of your favorite pecan fudge. We thought we would put together a list of best practices to help keep your oral health on Santa's nice list!

1) Opt for Snacks High in Protein

Cajun Country is famous around the globe for our cuisine. A popular holiday appetizer in the South, deviled eggs make a tasty, filling, and healthier alternative to sweets. High in protein, low in carbs, and sugar free. Other popular low carb high protein snacks in South Louisiana are pork skins (cracklings) and jerky made from wild game hunts.

2) Drink Lots of Water

Since sugars break down into bacteria that start the tooth decay process, it's important to stay well watered during bouts of high calorie and high sugar snacking. Water helps to wash down the bacteria from foods we enjoy, and regular hydration helps to stimulate our salivary glands which keep harmful germs moving though our body.

3) Brush And Floss After Big Meals

When the football game is over and the to-go plates have been filled, it's always a good idea to add a regular brushing throughout the day during large meals. A quick brush and floss can help dislodge food particles and keep your breath and mouth fresh for the mistletoe.

4) Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can dry your mouth out, leading to an environment that is more susceptible to bacteria and decay. In fact, some mouthwashes heavy in alcohol are not recommended for people who have chronically dry mouth. Talk to your dentist about zero alcohol mouthwash alternatives that will keep your teeth in tip top shape without drying out your mouth.