Many individuals are more likely to develop cavities and other oral illnesses during the holiday season due to heavy consumption of sugary foods. While it is difficult to avoid certain sugary foods during the holiday season, it is crucial that individuals take care of their oral health.

Dental cavity is the destruction of teeth structure and can affect both the enamel and the dentin layers. Cavities form when the mouth bacteria digest sugary particles, turn them into acid, and later form plaques that result in the formation of holes on the teeth.

The following are some home remedies that you can use to avoid cavities during the holiday season.

1. Brush With Fluoride Dental Care Products

Maintaining healthy brushing and flossing habits during the holiday season may prevent the formation of cavities. Ensure that you brush after every meal to eliminate food particles and plaque that may form dental cavities. Dentists recommend that you brush using fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities and remineralizing enamel.

2. Minimize Sugary Foods

According to the World Health Organization, excessive intake of sugary foods is the number one cause of dental cavities. For many people, it is difficult to avoid sugary foods during the festive season. However, cutting sugar intake to less than 10% of the total calories consumed daily may help avoid cavities. It is also crucial if you try not to snack on sugary foods throughout the day because your teeth will be under imminent attack from the mouth bacteria.

3. Drink Water

Unlike soft drinks, coffee, and carbonated drinks, water does not stain your enamel. Furthermore, it washes off small food particles, bacteria, and plaque that may result in a cavity. Dentists recommend that you consume tap water since it has added fluoride.

4. Eat Healthy Foods

The type of food contributes to the nature of your oral health. While it is difficult for some people to keep off sugary foods during the holiday season, it is important that you consume foods that are well-known for their oral benefits. Foods like vegetables, unsweetened coffee, and fruits are essential since they increase saliva flow and wash away food particles.

5. Use Sugar-Free Gum

Studies have shown chewing sugar-free gums help remineralize the enamel. Also, it stimulates the production of saliva that is essential in washing away small food particles left in the mouth. Thus, sugar-free gum is an effective way to avoid cavities, especially during holidays.

6. Flossing

Many people don’t like to floss. However, it is important since it helps eliminate smaller food particles that are difficult to eliminate by brushing. Dentist indicates that brushing alone cleans about half of your teeth, while the other half is cleaned through flossing. During holidays, you can avoid cavities by making flossing a habit.

7. Consider Dental Sealants

Sealants are protective plastic coatings that are placed at the chewing surface of the teeth. They seal off crannies and grooves that collect food, thus protecting the enamel from plaque and acid. They are essential, especially during holidays due to the intake of sugary foods.

8. Use Mouthrinse

There are several types of mouth rinses that are clinically proven to prevent plaques. Dentists advise that you use mouth rinses that contain fluoride to eliminate bacteria that convert food particles to plaque.