.jpg "Elms_hub.jpg")
During these uncertain times it is best to focus on what we can control, and an important focus is keeping well and healthy.
As the festive season is upon us, many will be seeking comfort in eating and drinking, but we must be mindful to keep up healthy habits to look after our overall health as well as our dental health!
To help you protect your teeth during the festive season, we’ve collated our five top tips:
Christmas cake, pudding and mince pies are laden with dried fruit, which is high in sugar that can stick to your teeth. Sticky toffees and sweets eaten frequently put your teeth under constant attack.
It is therefore important to pay extra attention when brushing your teeth over the festive season. Parents can check their children are brushing sticky food from their teeth especially before bedtime, no matter their excitement that Santa is coming!
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes using toothpaste containing ≥1450ppm fluoride, as this helps protect teeth from cavities. However, you must spit not rinse when you’ve finished brushing, to avoid washing the protective fluoride away.
Interdental brushes or dental floss can be used to remove sticky plaque from in between your teeth. It’s important to supervise children’s brushing, and to remind family of all ages to brush their teeth thoroughly before they go to bed, even on Christmas Eve!
Click to watch our hygienist Gill show how best to clean your teeth.
Teeth were never designed to open bottles, nor should they be used to open packets of crisps or nuts, to tear off labels or to cut tape when wrapping your presents! Always take a moment to find the bottle opener or scissors to prevent any damage to your teeth. If you do chip, break or crack a tooth, contact your dentist to book an appointment to fill the tooth or smooth rough edges.
After all your festive feasting, save a little space for the cheeseboard. Cheese is great for your teeth as it neutralises plaque acid, which helps prevent tooth decay. Eating cheese increases the amount of saliva in the mouth, which is the body’s natural way of maintaining a healthy pH level. Also cheese releases chemical compounds that can form a protective layer on teeth, which protects against plaque acid that attacks teeth enamel.
If you haven't seen your dentist or hygienist for awhile, make a New Year's resolution to book an appointment to look after your teeth and smile.
We are arranging dental appointments well ahead into the New Year to meet patients' specific requests, such as end of day, school holidays or 8am starts.
Looking after your dental health is essential for your overall health, so take time to book your dental check-up or any treatment needed.
To schedule an appointment at Elmsleigh House Dental Clinic, simply call 01252 713797 or leave us a message online.
For more helpful information and other advice about how to keep your teeth healthy, read our Guide to dental care during Christmas.
Christmas Eve, Friday 24th December 08:00–15:30
Christmas Day, Saturday 25th December Closed
Boxing Day, Sunday 26th December Closed
Bank Holidays 27–28th December Closed
Wednesday 29th December – Friday 31st December 08:00–15:30
Bank Holiday Monday 3rd January Closed
From Tuesday 4th January usual opening hours 08:00–18:00
