Give Thanks for a Healthy Smile: How to Protect Your Gums This Holiday Season

As we turn our thoughts toward gratitude this fall, let’s not forget to be thankful for healthy and happy smiles. Here are a few ways to keep your gums healthy over the holidays, so you can and smile through the New Year and beyond.

Thanksgiving presents an opportunity to really think about what matters most. For many people, friends and family top that list, while health is a close second. While you might not immediately think about your gums when you consider your health, extensive research supports the link between periodontal health and overall health.

The team at Periodontist of Weston offers comprehensive periodontal care, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services. Whether you’re interested in maintaining your healthy gums, addressing signs of gum disease, or exploring periodontal surgery, our team of dental health professionals is here to assist.

Let’s look into the ways that the holiday season can affect your periodontal health and how you can protect and preserve your gum tissue this year.

The holidays can throw off your normal routines

Whether your holiday season is packed with events and family visits or is a bit more calm, the holidays bring a change in our normal routines. This is especially true if you’ll be traveling over the holidays.

One of the best ways to protect your gum health during the holiday season is by continuing to brush and floss regularly, which might be easier said than done. However, if you’ll be visiting loved ones or spending time in hotels this year, be sure to bring along the same dental health tools you use at home so you can maintain your normal dental hygiene routine.

Favorite holiday treats and beverages can harm your gum tissue

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying the foods and beverages you’ve come to associate with this time of year. While there’s nothing wrong with a few indulgences during the holiday season, take care to choose wisely.

Treats with a lot of sugar don’t just feed you; they also feed the bacteria within your mouth. This can change the balance of oral bacteria. Bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums can begin to overwhelm the helpful bacteria in your oral microbiome.

You can reduce your risk of gum disease by giving your teeth and gums a quick brush after consuming sugary snacks and drinks. It’s also important to avoid foods that are very hard or sticky, like hard candies, toffee, or peanut brittle.

Some food options can actually boost your oral health

Just as certain foods can threaten your dental and gum health, you have options that can give your oral health a boost. Incorporating certain foods into your holiday meals and snacks can help you balance out some of your less-healthy favorites.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be very beneficial to healthy gums because they contain anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a key element of gum disease, and can cause gum tissue to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. Foods like nuts and fatty fish have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Foods rich in probiotics are also a great choice for preserving gum health. Probiotics are the healthy microorganisms in your mouth and help maintain balance in your oral microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt are all rich in probiotics.

Worried about your gum health? Come see us

If you’re concerned about your gum tissue, don’t postpone a visit to Periodontist of Weston. We can examine your teeth and gums to look for signs of periodontal disease. If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, we’ll work with you to structure a treatment plan.

Dr. Segal has extensive experience in periodontal surgery, scaling and root planing, gum loss, and other periodontal health issues. As the holidays begin, take your gum health seriously, and give us a call at 954-385-9599 or schedule your visit online today.