The holidays are busy times, and they are coming up fast! Follow these principles to ensure a tooth-healthy holiday season.
Brush: Brush your teeth twice daily, for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Replace it every 3-4 months. If your family hasn’t replaced toothbrushes in a while, buy toothbrushes in holiday colors and use them as small gifts!
Floss: Floss once daily, taking 2-3 minutes each day to clean the food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Use 18 inches of single-filament floss and a gentle sawing motion to slip the floss between teeth and rub back and forth. It is normal to feel a little discomfort when you first start your flossing habit. Don’t let that deter you! If the discomfort lasts for more than two weeks, call Dr. Nidal Obeid.
Candy: Most holidays have a lot of sweets involved. Make sure you know how to handle them, to minimize the damage to your teeth! Make sure you eat sweets in moderation. When you do choose to eat sugary treats, don’t graze for long periods. Eat a treat or three, then be finished. Try chewing sugar-free gum afterward for 20 minutes to clean teeth and prepare them for brushing. Be sure to brush and floss extra-thoroughly to remove excess sugars and particles from the mouth.
Visit Your Dentist Now: The year only get busier from here on out, and you don’t want a cavity or other oral emergency disrupting your plans. Dr. Nidal Obeid will be happy to treat your teeth and give you the care you need.
Schedule an appointment with Family Dental of Lincoln in Chicago, Illinois by calling 773-561-5106. Our team will be happy to help you!
