There is shamrock décor everywhere and bars are infusing their drinks with green-colored dye… St. Patrick’s Day must be right around the corner! While this celebration is often filled with good food and plenty of time with friends, many people are unaware that it’s also a time when dental practices see an uptick in dental emergencies. To prevent you from spending the day after at your dentist’s office, keep these dental care best practices in mind.
Steer Clear of Green Beer
One of the most Instagramable parts of St. Patrick’s Day is the trendy glass of green beer. What isn’t cute, however, is green teeth come March 18th. Since the food coloring used has potent dying power, this phenomenon happens more often than you might think. Don’t worry – your dentist can help you restore your beautiful white smile with a customized teeth whitening treatment.
Drink Plenty of Water
Although you may be tempted to indulge in festive drinks, like soda, beer, and wine, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day too. There are a few reasons for this. One, water can help rinse away dark-colored beverages, preventing staining. Second, alcohol and sugary drinks can cause dry mouth and increase your risk of cavities. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of water within arm’s reach at all times.
Avoid Snacking
While celebrating, you may be tempted to indulge in mint chip pudding, festive charcuterie boards, and other delicious appetizers. However, grazing throughout the day can lead to cavities since you’re constantly exposing your teeth to food particles with no plans to brush in sight. That’s why it’s best to stick to three well-balanced meals throughout the day. If you do get hungry, opt for a mouth-healthy option, like carrots and hummus.
Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene Routine
When you get home from your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, you may feel exhausted, causing you to wonder if skipping your dental care regimen for the evening is okay. In short, it’s not. It’s extremely important that you thoroughly brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash, especially after an evening of drinking and eating. The entire process will only take a few minutes and it can make a big difference in the condition of your oral health.
If St. Patrick’s Day is one of your favorite holidays, don’t worry – you don’t have to pass on celebrating for the sake of your oral health. Just make sure to keep the above best practices in mind so you don’t wake up on March 18th with green or decayed teeth!
About the Practice
With over 20 years of experience in the dental field, Dr. Craig R. Harder has seen his fair share of dental injuries. That’s why we offer early morning and evening appointments throughout the week – we want to be available when you need us most! We also place an important emphasis on preventive care here at Moses Lake Family Dentistry to hopefully help you avoid ever experiencing a dental emergency. If your teeth look less than impressive after St. Patrick’s Day or you simply want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (509) 765-4351.