Happy Diwali 2023: Tips To Take Care Of Oral Health After Festive Indulgence

Overindulging in acidic and sugary meals and beverages together with skipping dental hygiene appointments can result in a number of dental problems.

Oral Health After Festive Indulgence

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The season of holidays is a time to celebrate, embrace and overindulge. It's a time when we gather with loved ones and friends to enjoy wonderful meals, desserts, and, more often than not, an excess of wine or drinks. These festivities may make us happy, but they may also be detrimental to our dental health. Overindulging in acidic and sugary meals and beverages together with skipping dental hygiene appointments can result in a number of dental problems. However, you can make sure that your smile looks great even after the celebrations by following a few smart procedures and making a commitment to dental care.

ORAL CARE TIPS AFTER FESTIVE INDULGENCE:

Dr Karthiyayini Priya, who is the Chief Dental Surgeon, at Vibrant Smiles Dental Clinic suggested some oral care tips after festive indulgence:

• Flossing and Brushing: The foundation of Dental Health

Maintaining a consistent dental hygiene practise is critical, particularly after consuming sugary meals and beverages. To maintain your smile healthy, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste, brushing for two minutes in the morning and before bedtime. Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis to ensure it remains efficient in keeping your teeth clean and white.Make sure you change your toothbrush frequently to preserve its effectiveness.

• Chew Sugar-Free Chewable

Chewing sugar-free gum can increase salivation, which has the dual benefits of neutralising acids in the mouth and cleaning it naturally. Since saliva is your body's natural defence against gum disease and tooth decay, it can be advantageous to promote salivary flow.

• Limit Acidic and Sugary Foods and Drinks

There are many of sugary and acidic meals and drinks over the holiday season. It's important to consume these delicacies in moderation even if it can be difficult to totally avoid them. Limit your consumption of acidic and sugary foods and beverages, such as soda, candies, and citrus fruits, and if possible, choose for healthier substitutes. To further minimise direct tooth contact, think about drinking acidic or sugary beverages with a straw.

• Maintain Hydration

When it comes to dental health, water is your best friend. It not only helps wash away food particles and acids, but it also keeps your mouth moisturised and helps avoid dry mouth. It's important to stay hydrated since dry mouth can serve as a haven for dangerous bacteria.

• Consider teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can be a useful remedy if the celebrations have discoloured or stained your teeth. A dentist's professional teeth-whitening treatments can help you get back your smile's original brilliance.

• Clean Your Mouth

It's a good idea to rinse your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash after a night of holiday revelry. This can aid in the neutralisation of acids, the removal of food particles, and the freshening of your breath. Spitting out water after swishing it about in your mouth can be an efficient approach to remove some of the toxic residues left behind by sugary or acidic foods and drinks.

In addition, Dr. Ruchika Mishra, who is an Implantologist, Founder & Director of Jaipur Implant Center added the following:

• Maintain Your Routine

 Amidst the festivities, it's crucial to stick to your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste. Don't forget to floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach.

• Mind Your Diet

The holiday season often means indulging in sugary treats and acidic drinks. While it's okay to enjoy these in moderation, be mindful of their impact on your teeth. Sugary and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Try to balance your diet with nutritious foods and drink plenty of water to wash away food residues.

• Limit Snacking

Continuous snacking throughout the day can harm your teeth. Every time you eat, especially sugary or starchy foods, your teeth are exposed to acids that weaken enamel. Opt for healthier snacks like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. If you do indulge in sweets, try to consume them during meal times when saliva production is higher, helping to neutralize acids.

• Stay Hydrated

Water is not only essential for your overall health but also for your oral health. Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids in your mouth. Additionally, it keeps your mouth moist, which is crucial for preventing dry mouth. Dry mouth can contribute to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities.

TIPS TO DODGE CAVITIES THIS FESTIVE SEASON 

Dr. Karishma Jaradi, who is an Aesthetic Dentist – Dentzz Dental

• Make Flossing a Habit: Considering we often consume a lot of sugar, flossing every night becomes extremely important. This helps get rid of the food bits lodged between your teeth and slows down the breeding of damaging bacteria. It's such a straightforward and efficient method to keep your oral health in check.

• Don't Forget to Stay Hydrated: Sipping on water after you indulge in sweets is vital. Believe it or not, it can make as much difference as using your floss by shielding your teeth from the damaging effects of sugar. Water even manages to sneak between your teeth, effectively rinsing off sugars and preserving a healthy smile.

• Steer clear of sweets between meals: Rather than indulging in sugary treats or drinks between your meals, try to sustain from them. This includes avoiding sugar-laden and acidic drinks such as sodas which aren't good for your teeth or your general health. If you save consuming sugary snacks for your meals, you'll be reducing how often your teeth have to deal with sugar, and that's a big win for your dental health.

• Be mindful of how much alcohol you're drinking: Overdoing it with alcoholic beverages can trigger problems with your gums, contribute to tooth decay, and cause other issues related to your teeth. It can also decrease saliva production subsequently leading to dry mouth. Make sure to watch the quantity of alcohol you consume during celebrations. Savor your drinks responsibly to ensure the preservation of your oral health.
• Increase your calcium: Make sure to include calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese in your diet. Not only will these foods strengthen your bones, but they'll also help remineralize your teeth, preventing cavities. You see, calcium is fantastic for both your bones and your teeth!
• Rinse Your Mouth: After each meal, rinse your mouth with water to help disinfect it and maintain healthy gums. It's a simple practice that can make a big difference in oral hygiene.
• Use Mouthwash: Mouthwashes with antibacterial properties can limit the growth of bacteria in your mouth. They are a valuable addition to your oral care routine, especially during the festive season.
• Proper Brushing Technique: When brushing your teeth, ensure you cover the entire tooth surface and brush for at least two minutes for the best results. Pay attention to the way you brush and the time you spend doing it. A diligent brushing technique goes a long way in preventing cavities.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Timely visits to the dentist are crucial for overall dental care. While you may indulge in festive treats, the dentist can help catch and address any dental issues that may arise. 

Lastly, Lt. Gen Dr Vimal Arora, who is the Chief Clinical Officer, at Clove Dental said, "As we celebrate the season with festive foods, let's not forget to celebrate our oral health. Moderation and mindfulness can help us indulge without compromising our precious smiles." 

"Embracing moderation is the simplest yet most effective way to protect your teeth. While indulgence is a hallmark of the holiday season, it's essential to limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods. These culprits are known for causing tooth decay and erosion. Enjoy your favorite treats, but consider smaller portions to reduce the risk to your teeth," he added.