St. Augustine, FL
A bright, white smile is always noticeable, but it’s especially so around the holidays. Maybe it’s because people are smiling and laughing a little bit more. Or it could be that smiles are more noticeable since so many photos are taken at gatherings of friends and family.
It’s natural to want to feel confident in your smile and to have it match all the sparky outfits you’ll don for holiday parties. Today our family dentist in St. Augustine is sharing five ways you can make sure your smile is sparkling for Christmas.
Enjoy Holiday Treats in Moderation
The holidays are known for serving up some of the more unhealthy foods and beverages we enjoy, including foods that are processed and high in sugar and sweet beverages that are also notorious for staining teeth. The last thing you want for Christmas is a cavity, so be sure to brush your teeth after enjoying desserts, candy, crackers and chips. If you’re enjoying dark berries, chocolate, coffee or wine, you won’t want to brush your teeth immediately after consumption; this can actually scrub the stains caused by these treats into the surface of your teeth. Instead, rinse immediately after to help wash sugar and acid away, then brush later.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Nicotine and tar from tobacco stick to the teeth and cause stains. Tobacco products also cause bad breath and dry mouth, increasing the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Keep Up With Your Oral Hygiene Routine
We all tend to be a bit busier during the holidays, but it’s especially important not to fall down on your oral hygiene regime since you’ll likely be partaking in more unhealthy snacks and drinks than usual. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
Don’t Skip Dental Appointments
Our St. Augustine family dentist can see and reach more places during a routine dental exam than we can at home. This means the dentist may catch a fracture before a tooth breaks, and s/he may see the beginning stages of tooth decay to help you ward off a cavity. Be sure to keep up with your twice-a-year dental appointments, even if one happens to fall during the holidays.
Professional Teeth Whitening
If you’re not confident in your smile — if you’re embarrassed to smile or laugh because your teeth are discolored — don’t wait another day to call our St. Augustine dentist’s office to schedule an appointment. Unlike over-the-counter whitening strips, our dental staff can drastically whiten and brighten your teeth in just one appointment, with no resulting sensitivity to teeth or gums.
Family Dentist in St. Augustine, Florida
Everything else is bright and sparkly during Christmas. Make sure your smile is, too. If it’s time for your routine appointment, or if you want to quickly whiten your teeth before your next gathering, give our office at Palencia Dental a call at 904-664-5254, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
