March is a month of celebration with the end of winter and the beginning of spring along with several holidays. However, these festivities often include a range of foods that can potentially affect your oral health if you aren’t careful. To prevent any issues, it’s important to know which celebrations to watch out for. Read on to learn about what foods and drinks you need to keep in mind this March to keep your oral health in check.
St. Patrick’s Day
This year, St. Patrick’s Day lands on a Friday. This means that many people are likely to drink more than usual. Although there’s nothing wrong with celebrating, the excessive beer consumption that often takes place on this holiday can harm your teeth.
Drinking Guinness and dyed green beer on St. Patrick’s Day can potentially cause tooth discoloration, especially if they get trapped in plaque deposits. Brushing before and after the festivities can help keep your smile shining. You can also follow up with a glass of water to wash away some of the green dye.
Ramadan
Ramadan, starting in March, involves fasting, which may impact your oral health. The lack of water intake during the fast leads to a reduction in saliva, which inhibits the mouth’s ability to self-clean as well as regulate pH levels. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.
During Ramadan, it is crucial to brush your teeth more often to compensate for the decreased saliva production during the fast. While some people who celebrate Ramadan believe that using toothpaste during the fast is not allowed, most scholars argue otherwise since swallowing toothpaste is generally discouraged. Regardless, it’s recommended to brush your teeth thoroughly before going to bed and before the sun rises to maintain good oral health during Ramadan.
Pi Day
March 14th is Pi Day, a joke holiday that is often celebrated by baking and sharing pies. While it may seem fun, the high sugar content in pies can damage your teeth. Along with containing a lot of sugar, pies made with dark berries may leave behind pigments that could potentially discolor your teeth. While you’re welcome to enjoy some tasty pie to your heart’s content, it’s advisable to brush and floss properly after indulging in these sweet treats to avoid any potential dental issues.
With March offering plenty of reasons to celebrate, it’s important to enjoy the festivities without allowing them to harm your dental health. By doing this, you can celebrate the month to the fullest with a beautiful, healthy beam!
About Our Practice
Troisi Dental is committed to providing a unique and unparalleled dental experience that sets them apart from the rest. Their approach to “no-shame dentistry” is built on the foundation of ensuring that patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visits, regardless of their current oral health situation. They firmly believe that every person deserves a healthy, beautiful smile, and they strive to make that a reality for all our patients. You can reach their office through their website or by phone at (757) 548-1611 to make an appointment or for more information.