March is now here, so the first signs of spring are starting to show. You can see that the weather is warming, people are prepping for house cleaning, and so on. Still, this month also brings March holidays with smile-unfriendly foods. These festivities could harm your teeth and gums if you aren’t careful. As such, you’ll want to take steps to keep your pearly whites safe. Luckily, your Houston dentist can help you do so. Here, then, are three tips for enjoying spring celebrations without hurting your smile.
Keep a Lid on Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
The first of March also happens to be Peanut Butter Lover’s Day. As that title implies, it’s a time to enjoy the famous nut butter. However, this peanut-y goodness isn’t great for teeth.
You see, most peanut butter is made with loads of sugar. Eating it thus attracts tooth-eroding, cavity-causing bacteria. Even worse, the product’s texture makes it cling to teeth – giving its sugar enough time to do lots of damage.
Given such facts, stick to less sugary peanut butter for this holiday. Better yet, opt for a healthier alternative, like almond butter.
Change Your Pi Day Recipes
It makes excellent sense to have pie for National Pi Day. Even so, the crusty dessert won’t do your chompers any favors.
Like peanut butter, most pies are high in sugar. That fact especially applies to chocolate cream pie, lemon meringue pie, and key lime pie. Therefore, eating more traditional flavors could greatly erode your enamel.
To avoid that latter outcome, try healthier pie recipes on the 14th. These might include dark chocolate, oatmeal, sweet potato, or carrot. That way, you’ll reduce sugar intake while eating a tasty treat.
Brush & Floss After St. Paddy’s Day
For many people, St. Patrick’s Day is known for heavy drinking and the color green. As a result, celebrants will drink a lot of beer and eat green-colored foods! Unfortunately, the “luck of the Irish” doesn’t extend to your pearly whites.
In truth, alcohol and green food coloring are a bad combination for teeth. The former erodes tooth enamel due to its acids. Meanwhile, the latter can stain your teeth green. Going overboard, then, could lead to a dark-colored smile with cavities or tooth sensitivity.
Of course, you can always resist these effects. You could go easy on alcoholic drinks or even find non-alcoholic substitutes. As for the greening, brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste after meals.
With tips like those above, you can delight in the March holidays and protect your smile. Therefore, make sure to practice them throughout the month!
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich is a dentist in Houston, TX, having earned her DDS from the University of Texas at Houston Dental School. She’s thus well-versed in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency oral procedures. Her work also makes use of the latest dental technology, including intraoral cameras and digital X-rays. Dr. Rich currently practices at her self-titled clinic and can be reached at her website or by phone at (281)-469-6281.