Happy happy holidays! How are you celebrating the season this year? Whatever your December festivities look like, Dr. Mota wants to ensure that you are informed and prepared to keep your oral wellness in top shape throughout all your celebrations. Here are some of her best dental tips for your holiday celebrations:

Feast Away! But Avoid fast eating

Eating stimulates saliva production in your mouth, which can help in neutralizing acids. When you sit down to eat a meal, the acids that are produced by the foods you’re eating and quickly neutralized as you continue to eat, whereas if you eat food too fast, acids are produced, but your mouth often doesn’t have enough time to stimulate the saliva needed to thereafter neutralize those acids. Make sure you chew your food slowly and carefully, some foods like rice are easy to swallow, so make sure to chew them thoroughly as they can lead to acid reflux.

Use a Straw

Enjoy sipping on ciders or relaxing with coffees and teas this holiday, but remember that most dark liquids will inevitably stain your teeth. Using a straw minimizes the direct contact the liquid has with your teeth to reduce your risk of staining.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Remember how important it is to produce saliva for neutralization? Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates that saliva production. Plus, the person with a pack of gum at a party is always instantly popular, right?

If you have questions about keeping your teeth in great shape this holiday, or to schedule your next appointment with Cupertino dentist Dr. Mota, call 408-873-0802 today!