Many beloved holiday traditions center around food, from shared meals to seasonal treats. However, this isn't always good news for your teeth, and many dentists see an uptick in cavities and other oral health problems after the holidays. To protect your teeth, follow these tips.

Do:

Eat crunchy veggies.

Vegetables are healthy for your enamel. Not only are they high in minerals, but they also help clean plaque off your teeth as you chew. Eat carrots, celery, and even crunchy fruits like apples during your holiday meals.

Moderate your carb intake.

Let's be real; nobody can avoid eating sugar and carbs altogether during the holiday season. Between the candy, pies, rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and yams, they’re hard to stay away from. However, limit how much you eat by keeping track of your diet, as sugar and simple carbs feed the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. When you do eat them, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth.

Don't:

Chew anything hard.

One of the worst experiences you can have during the holidays is cracking a tooth and taking an emergency trip to the dentist. Don't use your teeth to crack nuts, and avoid gnawing on turkey bones. Finally, be careful when eating candy canes and other hard candy; suck on them rather than chewing.

Overdo it with acidic drinks.

Acidic foods and drinks erode your dental enamel, just as bacteria do, and can lead to tooth decay. Try to avoid wine, orange juice, and soda. However, if you do have any, aim for moderation, and rinse your mouth afterward.

If you need to see a dentist this holiday season, choose Dental Arts. Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties, they have a personal, friendly approach to treatment and also offer convenient hours, including Saturday appointments. Whether you need a basic exam or teeth whitening, they have you covered. To schedule an appointment with a dentist, call (631) 591-9200 or visit their website today.