Make sure you’re taking care of your mouth as you ring in the New Year! Yes, even before the ball drops and the resolutions kick in, you’ll want to take a few precautions on New Year’s Eve to ensure your teeth and gums are not being harmed, and that your midnight smooch is enjoyable!
Think (pH) Before You Drink
Hopefully, you plan on leaving your car keys at home if you're going out with friends for New Year's. However, you'll also want to think about what types of alcoholic beverages you'll be drinking and whether they're a good idea for your teeth or if they might spell tooth decay for the year ahead.
According to Therabreath, drinking a lot of alcohol can make your mouth too acidic, which may lead to erosion of the enamel on your teeth. Celebrating for one night with drinks like a Malibu and coke or sweet wines aren't going to damage your teeth too much, but try to avoid going overboard if you like mixed drinks.
However, you might want to limit alcoholic drinks with high pH levels. Your best bet is to toast the New Year with a glass of water, but in case you're looking for a more entertaining way to ring in 2015, you might try champagne rather than the sugary mixed drinks. In the scheme of things, even beer isn't too terribly bad for your teeth when you drink it in moderation.
That Breath-taking Kiss
If you plan to kiss someone at midnight, you don't want your date to back away because of some bad breath. If you neglect your dental health, you could be setting yourself up for a disastrous midnight kiss.
Hopefully, you're already getting your twice-yearly dental checkups, but you'll also want to make sure your mouth is brushed and fresh when the second hand counts down to midnight. If you're heading out for some food before you party at midnight, don't be afraid to pack some floss and mouthwash. A travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste aren't a bad idea, either, particularly if you're looking at a night filled with entrees that feature garlic, barbecue sauce, and other pungent flavors. Remember to wait about a half hour before brushing your teeth because brushing freshly applied acidic food from your teeth could harm the enamel.
Resolf to Better Dental Health
If you make just one resolution related to dental health, make it this one! Brushing and flossing is essential if you want to avoid expensive and painful cavities, regardless of whether or not you have a healthy diet.
In addition, if you've been skipping your appointments to the dentist, go ahead and make an appointment for the new year and begin a healthy schedule of dental checkups each six months. According to toothbrush manufacturer Oral-B, regular checkups are the best way to prevent permanent damage to your gums and teeth. Don't get stuck with a huge dental bill a few years from now that could have been avoided with a few checkups.
