The holiday season is here, and you may have a number of big meals and celebrations on the horizon. These are wonderful, but the heavy starch and sugar content could increase the risk of cavities and even gum disease. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about caring for your smile during your orthodontic clear aligner treatment!
The Holidays and Poor Oral Health
How does sugar and starch, common ingredients in your holiday meals, threaten your oral health during this time of year? When you consume lots of foods and drinks with these ingredients, then particles of sugar and starch can become trapped on or between the teeth. Bacteria can consume the, a process that not only elevates oral acidity, but coats the teeth in plaque buildup. As plaque hardens into tartar, and brushing and flossing alone cannot remove it, and your smile is now at a higher risk of stained teeth, bad breath, and even cavities and periodontal disease! But we have a few tips for protecting your smile if you are wearing orthodontics aligners.
Caring for Your Smile and Your Orthodontics
You already have an advantage since your aligners can be removed before meals, so no worries about items being caught in your orthodontics as they could if you had metal braces., But you should still enjoy items high in starch and sugar in moderation, and balance them with a glass of water to help rinse away the particles from your mouth. We also suggest adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your plate to help scrub these particles away, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli. Be sure you continue to brush and floss daily as you always do when you are out of town for the holiday season!
Also, always make sure that you clean and soak your aligners as instructed, and try to take time to excuse yourself and floss after your meal, just in case!
Remember, our team also offers checkups and cleanings, so you can see our team for a visit now to ensure you have a healthy smile and enjoy any treatments necessary before the season gets too hectic and the year comes to an end. You can also use your 2025 dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year, as well as any remaining health savings account funds you may have. If you have any questions about orthodontic clear aligners or caring for your smile during the holiday season, then reach out to our team today to learn more!
Do You Have Questions About Your Oral Health?
We want to provide treatment to correct your smile, with a cosmetic option that is practically invisible! To learn more about caring for your smile during treatment, call Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS today at (913) 901-8585.