Many people look forward to March every year because it marks the transition between winter and spring, meaning that there are brighter, warmer days to look forward to. Not only that, but there are several exciting celebrations this month, and several of them feature special foods and drinks to enjoy.
But you might accidentally hurt your teeth or gums if you don’t take the proper precautions. Continue reading to learn more about how you can enjoy the festivities while safeguarding your smile!
Which Holidays Happen in March?
There are several significant celebrations and occasions that occur during the third month of the year, including Pi Day (3.14), St. Patrick’s Day, and the International Day of Happiness. We also jump forward into daylight savings time, and plenty of people also celebrate the spring (vernal) equinox, which marks the start of spring.
As if that weren’t enough, there are also various religious traditions that often take place during this time. For instance, Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival that happens annually to worship Shiva, typically falls in February or March. Similarly, the Christian holiday Easter often happens in March or April.
What Are Some Common Foods to Watch Out For?
Whether you’re baking your favorite pie to share with your co-workers on March 14th, are looking forward to indulging in a green beer with your pals for St. Patrick’s Day, or are looking forward to bunny-shaped chocolates or jelly beans, there are plenty of delicious foods and drinks available this time of year.
But sugary snacks attract harmful bacteria that contribute to common oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease. You might think you’re safer with adult-themed options, like having a glass of Guinness, but alcohol is also high in sugar and is usually also quite acidic. That means it does double damage when it comes to wearing down your enamel.
How Can I Help Protect My Smile?
Thankfully, there are several proactive things you can do to help protect your grin while still making the most of what March has to offer, including:
- Implementing a routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that cause dental problems.
- Reduce sugar consumption. Even if you’re unwilling to forgo sugar altogether, it can still be helpful to limit how much you expose your teeth to.
- Drink more water. H20 has a neutral pH balance to counteract potential acid damage that can erode your enamel, especially after indulging in an alcoholic beverage or a handful of candy.
- Visit your dentist. Having a routine checkup and cleaning before attending the festivities helps give you some peace of mind that your smile is in good shape!
If you have additional questions about the condition of your grin or how to improve your oral hygiene, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!
Meet the Author
Dr. H. Douglas Clark III is passionate about helping patients build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Marquette University School of Dentistry, and today, is a member of several respected organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that your grin is in good hands. He offers a complete menu of services, including preventive care, to meet your unique needs at one convenient location. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (715) 392-5161.