Keep Your Family's Teeth Health During Winter Break!

It's almost time for winter break!

For the majority of us, this is the busiest time of the year whether its holiday shopping or traveling, it probably feels like you are always on the go. Right?

Well here are a few tips on how to keep your family teeth healthy during all the hustle and bustle:

• Grab water - It's easy to just grab a sugary drink at a restaurant or at a store while traveling but drinking water helps prevent plaque-causing bacteria. 
•  Eat dental friendly snacks - Yes, its the holiday season so that means cookies, cakes, and candies but eating crispy fruits and veggies act as a natural toothbrush and help keep teeth clean. 
• Chew gum - Sugar-free that is. Chewing gum helps saliva flow which washes away any food particles left behind.
•  Maintain your routine - Just because our daily habits might be off balance for a week or so, doesn't mean you can skip brushing and flossing your teeth.

Dealing With A Dental Emergency During The Holidays

Christmas is only 5 days away and nothing is worse than getting a toothache, losing a filling or crown and knowing the dentist is closed.

This can happen to anyone, anytime but it's best to be prepared. Below are some tips on how to survive holiday dental emergencies:

• Toothache - Brush and floss the area to make sure there are no food particles lodged underneath the gum line. If that doesn't work, try swishing warm salt water around in your mouth, do this 3 times a day and DO NOT swallow. Finally take some ibuprofen to help with the pain.
• Lost filling or crown - Try visiting a 24-Hour Pharmacy. In the dental isle you may find temporary dental filling material. This will seal up the hole until your able to see the dentist. 
• Abscess - This is the only time you should head to the emergency room for a dental emergency. If you have an abscess they will be able to provide you with the appropriate medication that will get you through until you can see the dentist. 

I like mentioned above, dental emergencies can happen at any time but the best way to help prevent these happening is by seeing your dentist for routine check ups every 6 months.