We know that the cold winter weather and dry air wreak havoc on the skin. Did you know that these weather conditions can also facilitate dental problems? Being aware of these winter dental woes, as well as how to combat them, will help to keep your mouth healthy in the cold, and avoid the tooth pain and increased sensitivity which many of us experience in the wintertime.

4 Reasons to Visit the Dentist in Winter:

1. 1. To Avoid Crowds and Long Waits:

The winter is a great time to schedule a dental appointment! Summertime means that there will be an influx of parents taking their children in for a check up, especially during the back-to-school season. Many college students might make appointments during spring break, but the longer winter break means that the appointment times won’t be as concentrated. We recommend that you come in now to ensure your dental health all year long––without the wait!

1. 1. Getting sick affects your teeth, too:

Maybe you were unlucky enough to catch a cold or flu. Cough syrups, cough drops, and other remedies contain high amounts of high fructose corn syrup or other sugars. These can have a negative impact on the teeth, especially if you are not flossing and brushing regularly. Other drugs may contain citric acid or alcohol, which attack the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, it’s important to switch out your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. You don’t want to reinfect yourself!

1. 1. To Fight Harsh Winters:

The cold weather and lack of sunlight that accompany winter can be tough for the best of us. As many as 20% of Americans, especially those in Northern climates, can be afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder. This form of depression arises during the winter season and may make it hard to perform even basic oral hygiene activities. Depression is highly correlated with poor dental health, so it’s important to try to maintain oral hygiene all year long.

1. 1. Prepare for Spring:

Winter means that many of us are huddled up in our homes, whether we are enjoying the heater or a toasty fireplace. Fewer outings are planned, which means more free time. It’s a good idea to schedule a winter dentist appointment to get out of the house and to take advantage of these more idle months. Springtime consists of spring cleaning, gardening, chaperoning the kids’ sports and other activities, so be sure to schedule your appointment now before things get too busy!

Final Verdict:
If you need one of your regular dental checkups, December is just the right time. Book your appointment and visit Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry this winter! Call us today at (936) 231-8705 to schedule now!

The food that surrounds the holiday season is, no doubt, delicious! But don’t forget that all of the foods you eat do have an affect on your teeth, and it’s important to be aware of what you’re eating. This blog will list some of the most common holiday foods and their effect on your teeth.

Holiday Feast Foods

Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie, on one hand, is great for your teeth because it has lots of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy gums. On the other hand, this pie also has a lot of added sugar so be e sure to brush after enjoying a slice.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy have a lot of potassium, B6, and vitamin C. On the other hand, potatoes are starchy and they can easily bring in bacteria that will cause cavities. That’s why you again need to brush as soon as possible after eating.

Macaroni and Cheese
Since Macaroni and Cheese has a lot of calcium, it’s a great food for boosting dental health. However, it is also full of sugar, and that means you might be faced with cavities in the long run. We recommend you to clean your teeth quickly after eating this food.

Green Bean Casserole
Since the Green Bean Casserole has a lot of mushrooms and green beans, it is a very healthy meal. But as you know, you can end up with some beans stuck in between your teeth. Flossing will help you get rid of that, so it’s not a huge deal to begin with. In fact, it’s a great staple to have in any holiday meal!

Yams
Yams are full of vitamins and are great for your overall health and even for your vision. However, if they are combined with marshmallows they can be very sticky. So the best thing that you can do is to eat them with moderation to avoid any effects on your teeth.

Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Sauce is not exactly a good thing for your teeth. There is often lots of sugar or sugar alternatives added in there. This acidic, sticky dish can easily cause dental decay and stains. Fortunately, most of us only enjoy this dish during the holidays and not on a regular basis. Just remember to clean your teeth properly afterwards.

As you can see, not all holiday food is problematic for your teeth. Sure, there are some foods that have quite a bit of sugar, but if you eat them carefully and with moderation you’ll be just fine. But one thing is certain, you have to clean your teeth after eating to avoid any stains or other problems.

The holidays are often a time for indulgence! It’s also important to keep your health in check during this season, so be sure to schedule your appointment today! Call Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry at (936) 231-8705 for information.