The holidays can get busy, and they are coming fast! Make sure you are following these guidelines to make sure you have a happy and tooth-healthy holiday season.
Brush: Brush your teeth twice a day, for 2 minutes each session. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush; replace the brush every 3-4 months. If your family hasn’t replaced toothbrushes in a while, consider buying toothbrushes in holiday colors and using them as small gifts!
Floss: You should floss once a day. This should only take 2-3 minutes each time. Use 18 inches of single-filament floss, as this allows enough thread to not cross contaminate within your mouth (the single-filament floss helps prevent tearing or fraying). Using a gentle sawing motion, slip the floss between teeth and remove the plaque and food particles. If you are just starting your flossing habit, it is normal to feel slight discomfort. Don’t worry! If the discomfort lasts for more than 2 weeks, talk with Dr. David Barry.
Candy: There are a lot of sweets involved in most holiday celebrations. Make sure you know what to do to keep maximum tooth health! Eat sweets in moderation. When you do choose to eat sweets, don’t snack on them for long periods of time. Eat a treat or two, then be done. Try chewing sugar-free gum afterward for 20 minutes to clean your teeth and get them ready for brushing. Be sure to brush and floss extra-thoroughly that day to maintain your healthy smile.
Visit Your Dentist Now: From now to the end, the year only gets busier–and you don’t want a cavity or other oral emergency interrupting your plans! Schedule an appointment with Barry Family Dental in Orem, Utah by calling 801-226-0441. Our team will be happy to help you get your smile holiday-ready!