The old adage “too much of a good thing” is never more true than during the holiday season. There tends to be an overabundance of everything – especially sweet treats. While it’s impractical to suggest complete avoidance of holiday goodies, Delta Dental encourages moderation to make sure you receive the gift of great oral health!
Here are five common treats to limit during the holidays:

1.      Candy Canes: The problem with candy canes is the prolonged amount of time that they linger as you slowly dissolve them in your mouth. Not to mention, the temptation to chomp them, which can lead to cracks or chips in your teeth. Consume them quickly and carefully to limit their negative oral health impact.

 

2.      Christmas Cookies: It’s tempting to overindulge when there’s an abundance of baked goods – like Christmas cookies – laying around. But cookies are laden with sugar and can do significant damage to your pearly whites. Of course, we know suggesting skipping cookies entirely is impractical. Just enjoy them in moderation. Continue reading Holiday treats that may caries in your teeth

Brushing teeth properly is one of life’s most important lessons to be learned.

• Proper brushing and flossing prevents tooth decay and cavities.
• You can also prevent periodontal disease, which has recently been tied to your overall health and well being, including your heart health and the health of pregnant women.
• Taking care of your teeth now can save you money in the long run.

Flossing is an essential part of any oral health care routine. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to achieve optimal oral health. By flossing daily, you help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

The most important thing about flossing is to do it. Pick a time of day when you can devote an extra couple of minutes to your oral hygiene. People who are too tired at the end of the day may benefit from flossing first thing in the morning or flossing after lunch. Continue reading What are the Benefits of Proper Brushing and Flossing?

Removable partial or full dentures require proper denture care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best. For good denture care.

• Remove and rinse dentures after eating.

Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink so that the dentures won’t break if you drop them.

• Clean your mouth after removing your dentures.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue and palate.

• Scrub your dentures at least daily.

Gently scrub your dentures using a denture cleaner, mild soap or dishwashing liquid and a denture brush or soft toothbrush to remove food, plaque and other deposits. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures. Toothpastes advertised as whitening pastes are especially abrasive and should be avoided with removable dentures.

Continue reading Denture Care: How Do I Clean Dentures?