Make no mistake about it, the holidays are here. While most of us are busy shopping, traveling, and preparing for large feasts, it’s important not to forget our dental health amid the cheer. Otherwise, sneaky oral conditions (like periodontal disease) can worsen and take us by surprise. Luckily, our general and restorative dentistry clinic in Atlanta, GA, is here to help you prioritize your oral health, even during the hectic holiday season.

Are you experiencing painful, swollen, or bleeding gums? If so, it’s important to talk to a trusted dentist to catch and treat any periodontal issues before they become major problems. Contact Dr. Abbey J. Lee at Smiles 4 Grant Park today. You can reach our dental office in Atlanta, GA, by calling (404) 328-7177 now!

The word ‘periodontal’ refers to the tissues that support or surround our teeth, namely our gums. Without proper care, our gums can become susceptible to infections, eventually leading to smile-destroying periodontal (gum) disease. In this blog, Dr. Lee explains how to prevent periodontal disease during the holiday season.

Opt for Fiber-Rich Snacks

We get it – cookies and candies abound this time of year. So, it’s tempting to reach for those tasty treats when hungry. However, they can lead to an influx of harmful oral bacteria that contribute to gum disease.

Rather than snacking on sweet temptations, our Atlanta dentist recommends chomping on fiber-rich snacks, like:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Nuts
• Apples

These foods scrape bacteria and plaque from teeth while chewing, which helps protect our gums from periodontal infections.

Drink Plenty of Water

With the temperatures dropping, many of us reach for warm beverages, like warm apple cider, hot cocoa, and pumpkin spice lattes. However, these beverages can contain far more than the recommended daily intake of added sugars (roughly 24 grams for women and 36 grams for men). These sugars can be a significant contributor to periodontal disease.

Instead, our Atlanta dentist recommends drinking good, ol’ H₂O. We know – water doesn’t feel as cozy as a cup of cocoa, but it could be with some creativity. Rather than drinking cold or room-temperature water, make hot tea instead! Adding extra ingredients (like cinnamon or stevia) can jazz up an otherwise boring beverage, making it more festive and satisfying.

Use Toothpicks

It isn’t always possible to brush and floss after every morsel that crosses our lips. However, removing food debris is pertinent to periodontal health. 

So, if you can’t brush or floss after a holiday meal, try removing as much food debris and plaque as possible with toothpicks. Simply scrape the pick along the gum line and between teeth to remove unwanted particles. 

Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

The best way to prevent periodontal disease this holiday season is to visit a trusted dentist, like Dr. Lee. Dental professionals can remove harmful plaque before it has a chance to destroy gum tissue. So, if it’s been longer than six months since you last visited a dentist, give yourself the gift of a dental check-up this holiday season.

Periodontal Care in Atlanta, GA

It’s hard to spread holiday cheer when your gums aren’t looking or feeling their best. The team at Smiles 4 Grant Park can help. Schedule your periodontal consultation online or at (404) 328-7177 for comprehensive care before the New Year.