The pandemic has indeed left us all yearning for family get togethers and rejoicing with friends, after the first and second lockdowns. There is no better time than now, when the festivals are back and there is a lot of excitement and energy floating in the air!
This is one of the most wonderful seasons in India with all its cheer and festivity. There are many traditions and regions within India, and the numerous festivities prevail, there is one thing in common – mouth-watering dishes and delicacies across all regions. All ages, whether old or young, relish finger-licking food and await festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra and Diwali, to hoard on sweets.
Yes! We are all geared up for the festive season and took care of all COVID measures.
But having a healthy mouth during the festive season is one such need that people tend to ignore. Many of us have a tendency to overindulge in sugary foods and sugary beverages during festivals. This can lead to a series of problems such as tooth decay, bad breath, or food trapped between the teeth.
So how can one keep their teeth healthy during festive seasons?
Here are some common problems and tips to maintain oral health during the festive season
- Rinse your mouth, right after you eat! This will remove residual food particles that can build up on your teeth which could contribute to dental problems
- Sweets are always the best! There is no Indian festivity without sweets, and we’ve been told since childhood that sweets are bad. This is because sweets contain a high level of acid, which is just as bad as sugar and can lead to tooth decay, if left behind in the mouth
- Sweets will definitely give you tooth decay. Well, sweets might definitely give you the holiday weight, but they can’t give you decay. A lot of people think that the more sugar you consume, the more likely you get tooth decay. While this may be partly true if you don’t follow good oral hygiene after a meal. The presence of sugary foods for longer duration encourages harmful bacteria to grow in your mouth and these bacteria produce acid which can actually eat away at your teeth. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep foods like sugared gum in your mouth for short time as possible
- Love chewing gum? Try chewing sugar-free gum, as it is a good way to reduce the stickiness of food in your mouth
- Limit sugar intake from fruit juices and other beverages and If you can drink through a straw, it can reduce the effect on your teeth
- Braces can be irksome sometimes, especially when you are consuming sweets and candies, as these can get stuck in your braces and consequently damage your teeth
- Denture convenience. For those who use dentures, it is important to ensure cleaning the false teeth and rinse the mouth properly
- Do not use your teeth to tear off gift wrapping or to tear the price tag off your new clothes! This may damage your teeth and could chip your teeth
- If you are staying away from home for the festivities, make sure you can brush and floss with your travel toothbrush, mini toothpaste, and dental floss
These are some of the common tips that we can suggest. However, staying on top of your dental care can make a real difference! So brushing after every meal or twice a day lessens the chances of tooth cavities and a visit to a dental clinic.
As always, visiting a dentist will cost you the least amount of money at first and you have regular checkups and maintain good oral hygiene, but if you keep putting it off and avoid doing it regularly, it can cost a lot more financially down the road.
In the end, at festivals, we get the opportunity to celebrate our culture and traditions, which is a great thing. Similarly, when it comes to caring for your teeth, all you need is a little bit of care and protection to keep your mouth healthy during the festive season. If you have any queries or need emergency dental care during the festive season.
Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!