Get that smile back post party

The after-party season sees the maximum dental complaints, say experts. Follow these helpful tips to keep your teeth healthy The party season just got over and the wedding season is upon us and if you want to really flash that alluring smile, you need to make sure you take good care of your teeth first. The festive season has been the time for chocolates, cakes, sweets and savouries and none are teeth-friendly, no wonder dentists say that complaints of cavities and other dental issues escalate right after the party season. Aesthetic dentist Dr Shantanu says, "You need to set some rules during this season so that you can satisfy your cravings and yet keep cavities at bay." Dentists say when you drink water right after you have something sweet, it stops the sugar from doing too much damage. So sip on the wonder beverage often. Dr Karishma Jaradi, cosmetic dentist, says, "Drinking water can be as effective as flossing. Water helps to get in between the teeth and cleans it." Everytime you have to rush to a party make sure that you have taken ample care of your dental hygiene. In fact, getting a professional cleaning done is what experts suggest. Dentist Dr Kinjal Shah says, "Visit a dentist for a clean up or cavity checks before your go out for your parties. It will incur minimum expenditure and save you from a large dental bill in the long run." The party season invariably translates into an increase in your smoking and drinking habits, which stains your teeth. Dr Shantanu says, "The ideal tip here is to avoid both smoking and drinking. One should massage gums with fingers after brushing, as this increases the blood supply and provides nutrition to the gums. Don't forget to clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner - this is as important as cleaning your teeth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating anything to reduce the accumulation of food residues in the mouth." Taking good care of your teeth and regular dental visits is important if you want your smile to be perfect. Here are a few simple tips that can help you protect your pearly whites. - Use a straw when drinking fruit juices, soda pop, and even coffee. Soft drinks and coffee stain your teeth and the sugar in them will erode the enamel on your teeth. - Sip black tea instead of milk tea. - Use a mouthwash and toothpaste with fluoride in it everyday. Fluoride helps to maintain strong and healthy teeth. - An apple a day keeps not only the doctor away but also the dentist away. An apple helps to clean teeth between brushings, makes for a good snack, and fresh fruit helps to fight tooth decay. So munch an apple at any time during the day. - Sugary foods attack your teeth 20 minutes after you finish eating them. If you eat something sweet try and brush your teeth soon after. If you don't get to do so immediately, use a chewing gum as it acts as a cleanser. - Chewing sugarless gum can help promote good dental hygiene and help to reduce cavities. Sugarless gum helps produce saliva, which is a natural mouth rinse. It is also a worthwhile alternative if you can't brush your teeth after eating. Chewing sugar-free gum to keep tooth decay at bay is a convenient way to maintain and improve oral health. - When flossing remember to pay special attention to the back of your teeth, which a lot of people over look.