According to tradition, you’re supposed to kiss somebody if you find yourself under the mistletoe with them. However, neglecting your dental hygiene can lead to a host of nasty oral health issues and make your breath unpleasant. Here’s a quick look at how poor hygiene habits can affect your health as well as a few tips that will help ensure your kissability this holiday season.
How Does Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Bad Breath?
Deposits of food debris and sugary residues in the mouth provide harmful oral bacteria with the nutrition they need to multiply rapidly and cause gross and painful oral infections, and these germs smell absolutely terrible. While minty gum and breath mints may cover up an unpleasant oral aroma, they will not remove harmful bacteria and can deposit even more sugar in your mouth. Proper oral hygiene is your first line of defense against these microbes, and neglecting it will lead to painful oral health issues as well as bad breath.
How Can I Keep My Breath Fresh in Case I’m Caught Under the Mistletoe?
Luckily, proper oral hygiene is easy after you get used to it, and it’s hard to skip a session if you’re acclimated to a fresh, clean feeling in your mouth. Every day, take care to brush at least twice and floss at least once to scrub away accumulations of sugar and food debris while stimulating your gums. It’s also best to use antibacterial mouthwash once a day to kill nasty germs and strengthen your teeth.
How Can I Protect My Teeth from Sugars and Acids at a Holiday Party?
It can be difficult to brush and floss during a party, and many favorite holiday snacks and beverages are heavy with sugars, starches, and acids that can be quite harsh on your teeth. Thankfully, you can take a few simple measures to mitigate the risks these foods and drinks carry and keep your breath fresh. A few tips to keep in mind include:
- Drink plenty of water while enjoying cookies, cakes, tea, coffee, and red wine to help flush dyes, pigments, sugars, and acids away from your teeth.
- Drink acidic or stain-causing beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and eggnog through a straw to limit how much contact the liquid makes with your teeth.
- Enjoy treats like firm cheeses and raw fruits and veggies. These can be firm enough to rub harmful accumulations away from your enamel while being gentle enough to be harmless to your teeth.
Don’t let poor oral hygiene lead to enamel stains or painful dental emergencies. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy will help ensure that your breath is pleasant when you attend your next holiday gathering.
About the Author
Dr. Devarshee Patel earned her dental degree at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, where she earned the Community Leadership Award. She is proud to be a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, which is an honor bestowed on fewer than 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about oral hygiene or to schedule your next checkup, contact her online or dial (817) 367-9333.