Holiday cheer is upon us and as you look forward to celebrating with family and friends over tasty food and warm drinks, it is important to keep your orthodontic health in mind to ensure you stay on track over the holidays. Nothing would spoil Christmas morning quicker than a broken bracket or rogue wire in your mouth!
Here are a few tips to incorporate into your routine during the holidays to ensure your orthodontic health stays at its peak:
- Brushing and flossing daily to remove food particles
- Using a mouthguard while playing sports with family and friends
- Avoid hard, sticky, sugary foods
We know it isn’t always glamorous leaving the party to double-check your braces or pop your Invisalign back in, but the dedication to your orthodontic progress will be well-worth it!
Brush And Floss Regularly To Remove Food Particles
Brushing and flossing are important oral hygiene practices that help to remove food particles from the teeth and prevent the build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing should be done at least twice a day, using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste. With all the treats, sweets and indulgent food around during the holidays, it is especially important to brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tops, as well as the tongue and the roof of the mouth at least twice a day.
Flossing should be done at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line, in areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. To floss properly, wrap a section of floss around the middle fingers and gently insert between the teeth, moving the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth to remove plaque and food particles. Brushing and flossing together can help to keep the mouth clean and healthy, and reduce the risk of dental problems.
Wear A Mouthguard While Playing Sports
Nothing screams ‘Thanksgiving’ quite like getting the cousins together for a game of pick-up football before the big meal. Before you head outside, make sure you grab your mouthguard. Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports is important for protecting orthodontic equipment, such as braces or retainers, and preventing injury to the teeth, gums, and jaw. Mouthguards are designed to absorb the impact of a blow to the face and help to prevent broken teeth, cuts to the gums, and damage to the jaw. They can also help to protect orthodontic equipment from damage, which can be expensive to repair or replace.
Avoid Eating Hard, Sticky, Sugary Foods
Over the holidays, it can be tempting to indulge in foods that are often a part of holiday celebrations, but that may not be the best for your orthodontic treatment. Hard foods, such as nuts and candies, can break or loosen brackets and wires, while sticky foods, such as caramel and gum, can get stuck in braces and be difficult to remove. Sugary foods can contribute to tooth decay and may also cause brackets and wires to become loose or damaged.
To protect orthodontic health over the holidays, it is important to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or sugary as much as possible and opt for healthier options instead. We know it’s hard to say no to these treats when you wait all year for them, so if you do indulge in a few treats, it is important to be extra diligent about brushing and flossing to help remove any food particles to prevent dental problems.
Visit Your Fort Worth Orthodontist Today
With holiday parties right around the corner, it is important to plan now for how to approach these gatherings from a place of intentionality around your orthodontic treatment. If you aren’t sure how to approach the holidays and orthodontic treatment together, it’s time to see Dr. Barron and the staff at Ahava Orthodontics. Call our office today at 817-926-9777 to schedule your appointment!