Is Sleep Apnea a Danger to My Health?
Sleep apnea is notorious for causing loud, intense snoring, but is it more than just a noisy nuisance? Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can pose several dangers to your health. Read on to learn more.
Navigating Holiday Feasts: 5 Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
The holiday season is here, a time for family, fun, and, of course, holiday feasts. Between sweet treats, festive drinks, and endless snacking, it’s easy for your oral health to take a hit this time of year.
But with a few smart habits, you can enjoy the celebrations without sacrificing your smile.
Below, Dr. David Blaustein and the Chelsea Dental Aesthetics team in New York City share five tips to keep your teeth healthy this holiday season.
1. Don’t let sweets stick around (in your mouth)
Cookies, candies, and caramel desserts are holiday staples, but sticky sweets cling to your teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria.
If you indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush as soon as you can. Sugar-free gum can also help wash away food particles between meals by stimulating salivary production. Chewing can increase your saliva production 12-fold.
2. Stay hydrated and don’t skimp on your water
It’s tempting to sip on cider, wine, or sparkling cocktails all night, but most holiday beverages are acidic or sugary. Sugar and acid can damage your teeth and increase your risk of cavities.
Water is your best defense. It helps rinse away sugar, neutralize acid, and keep your mouth from drying out, which reduces the risk of cavities and bad breath.
So, if you do indulge in a glass of cider or wine, switch to water afterward to rinse your mouth.
3. Remember — everything in moderation
Pair sugary foods with fibrous fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, or celery. These act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away debris and increasing saliva flow.
Cheese and nuts are also great choices because they help neutralize acid and strengthen enamel with calcium and phosphorus.
4. Don’t use your teeth as tools
Whether it’s opening packages or cracking nuts, your teeth might seem like a convenient tool, but resist the urge. Using your teeth to open bottles, tear tape, or bite through hard objects can lead to chips, cracks, or even dental emergencies.
This tip doesn’t just apply to your natural teeth. Using your teeth as tools can damage veneers, bridges, crowns, and dentures.
5. Keep your routine consistent
Late-night parties and travel can make it easy to skip brushing or flossing. However, keeping up with your dental routine is the best way to prevent post-holiday cavities and gum irritation. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Bonus tip: Keep an oral health kit with you
A well-stocked oral care kit might include:
- Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss (or pre-threaded flossers)
- Sugar-free gum
- Sugar-free breath mints
If you have Invisalign® clear aligners, add your aligner case to this kit so you can safely store your trays while eating at holiday parties. Just remember to brush your teeth and put the aligners back in after you eat.
Keep your smile bright in the new year
A little prevention goes a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy during the holidays. If you haven’t had your regular cleaning yet, now’s the perfect time to schedule one before the year ends.
At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, Dr. Blaustein helps you maintain a strong, confident smile through every season. To schedule your visit, call our office in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan or request an appointment online today.
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