{"id":500,"date":"2018-11-20T19:20:58","date_gmt":"2018-11-20T19:20:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smilebydesignva.com\/blog\/?p=500"},"modified":"2018-12-20T19:28:07","modified_gmt":"2018-12-20T19:28:07","slug":"your-family-dentist-in-virginia-beach-gives-holiday-oral-health-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smilebydesignva.com\/blog\/your-family-dentist-in-virginia-beach-gives-holiday-oral-health-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Family Dentist in Virginia Beach Gives Holiday Oral Health Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"tree<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The holidays are here again, and the excitement is in the\nair. You have plans of eating your favorite delights and enjoying the\nfestivities, but your family dentist in Virginia Beach says don\u2019t forget to devote\nsome attention to your oral health<\/a>. As\nyou read on, you\u2019ll learn why this is especially important during this time of\nthe year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Sugar Problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The problem with sugar is that it\u2019s the main substance that\nbacteria feed on; thus, the more that is present in your mouth, the greater number\nof bacteria you can expect to develop. Unaddressed, this can lead to oral\nhealth issues like cavities, gum disease and tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By being mindful of your dental wellness at all times,\nthough, you can make some effective adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brush and Floss Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the surest ways to protect your oral health during\nthe holiday season is to consistently brush and floss your teeth. This is even\nmore significant around this time of the year because you\u2019re more likely to eat\nfoods with higher amounts of sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When brushing, be sure to clean your teeth for at least two\nminutes to thoroughly remove most of the leftover particles. Then when you floss,\nyou\u2019ll be able to get into the harder-to-reach areas that your toothbrush can\u2019t\nclean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Control Your Portions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s okay to indulge in some of the holiday delights,\nit\u2019s a good idea to set some limitations on how much food you\u2019ll consume. Constantly\ngrazing bathes your teeth in sugar and other harmful particles that could\ncontribute to tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drink Plenty of Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the best friends of your oral health is a glass of\nwater. Be sure to drink generously after eating a meal to aid in removing any\nlingering debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chew Sugar-Free Gum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you aren\u2019t able to brush your teeth within the first hour\nafter eating a meal, then a stick of sugar-free gum can act as a temporary form\nof removing some of the residue. This is because the chewing action stimulates your\nnatural saliva production and bathes your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step Up Your Protein Intake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Increasing your protein intake has two key benefits: it helps\nto control sugar cravings and better satiates hunger. Here are some options to\nconsider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n