Elkins Dental - December 2021

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a real tree in the house, hanging the lights can be one of the most frustrating parts of the tree-decorating process.

The true problem is probably that you’ve been hanging your beaded garland incorrectly.

Get on the right track by setting yourself up for success. Instead of shoving your lights in a box or bag at the end of the season, wrap them around the outside of the box or around a clothing hanger instead. Getting your lights hung properly around the tree can be a pain, too. This year, try hanging them vertically on your tree, from base to top and back again, until the tree is covered. It’s easier to do and helps camouflage the cord.

You may think there can’t be too many ways to drape beads over branches, but draping itself is the entirely wrong approach. Instead of simply wrapping the beads around the tree and hoping they fall into place, you should attach ornament hooks to the garland along the string. Use the hooks to gracefully hang your garland from the branches and marvel at the simplicity. When your Christmas tree goes up this year, these tips should make the experience faster, easier, and more joyful.You can now use all that time you would have spent wrapping garland to wrap presents instead.

BEADED GARLAND

Beaded garland always looks so much better in the store than it does on your own tree. No matter how much you fiddle with it, it just doesn’t lay right or have the even, dramatic swoops you see in display windows.

6 Ways to Stay Cavity-Free for the Holidays A Word From Cheyenne

THINK TWICE ABOUT HARD CANDIES.

This holiday season is a great time to indulge in your favorite sweets and treats. After all, the cookies, peppermint bark, caramel popcorn, and candy canes are tough to resist. However, if you aren’t careful, those tasty treats can compromise your oral health. But don’t worry because there are a few ways to maintain your smile while still snacking on your favorite goodies.

Hard candies have a high sugar content, but when you chew on them, you run the added risk of chipping or cracking your teeth. If your favorite happens to be a candy cane, be sure to suck on it rather than chewing! STARCHY GOODIES CAN BE SNEAKY, TOO. Yummy food with a high starch content, such as cake or chips, are notorious for getting trapped in your teeth. Be sure to brush and floss well after eating them.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TIMING.

Of course, when in moderation, it’s okay to have sweets here and there. But did you know that certain times are better than others to enjoy a tasty treat? Eating sweets with a meal or shortly thereafter is the best time because when you eat a meal, your mouth produces more saliva, which helps tame the acids that bacteria in your mouth produce when you consume sugar.

TRY TO LIMIT STICKY TREATS.

YOU CAN STILL INDULGE!

If it's sticky, it’s better to be picky. Sticky sweets, even dried cranberries, tend to stay on your teeth longer, so be sure to rinse with water right after eating, then brush your teeth.

So, what are some better options? There are many nutritious and tasty snack choices, like nuts and cheese, that can satisfy your appetite, but if you’re looking for something sweet, chocolate generally washes off teeth the easiest!

BE SMART WITH ALCOHOL.

Keep in mind that alcohol quickly dries out your mouth, and many drinks can be very acidic and harmful to your enamel. Make sure to limit your intake and drink water along with it!

–Cheyenne, RDH

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