Embrace the Luck of the Irish Without Negatively Impacting Your Smile

Whether you have Irish heritage or not, there’s a good chance you’re planning to break out your green attire, turn on your favorite Celtic music, and celebrate like the Irish this coming St. Patrick’s Day in North Sarasota. While there’s no harm in having some fun, the festivities and traditions can leave your smile a bit unlucky if you’re not careful. To avoid a dental emergency and save your smile from stains and decay, a dentist shares some helpful information that will keep your pearly whites shining brightly while embracing your inner Irishman or woman.

The Pitfalls of St. Patrick’s Day

When it comes to celebrating with the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, you may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and fully indulge in your favorite foods and spirits. The truth is that too much of a good thing can have a negative impact on your smile. So, what can you do to ensure your teeth don’t suffer an unfortunate fate? Here are a few tips:

• Be Mindful of Drinking Too Much Green Beer and Stouts. Yes, alcoholic beverages may be the drink of choice on this annual Irish holiday, but these colorful options can leave your teeth stained for much longer than you would prefer. If you’re not rinsing the remnants with water in-between sips, there’s a good chance the green dye or malt and barley will penetrate your tooth enamel and leave your teeth stained and discolored. Try to avoid overdoing it or else you’ll be looking to your dentist for ways to brighten your smile in the weeks following.
• Make sure to practice good oral hygiene before you go to bed. After a day full of drinking, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is brushing your teeth and flossing, but if you want to safeguard your smile, it’s best to go to bed with a clean smile. Alcoholic beverages are highly acidic, which means the longer it sits on your teeth, the greater your chances of it breaking down your tooth enamel and causing cavities. The only way to prevent this (apart from not drinking at all), is to thoroughly brush your teeth, floss, and rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash before bed. Otherwise, you’ll be adding restorative dentistry to your treatment plan.

What if an Accident Occurs?

If you party a bit too hard on St. Patrick’s Day, you might end up with a severe toothache or even a knocked-out tooth. While it’s best to prevent dental emergencies in North Sarasota by being cautious, especially on holidays, you’ll need to make sure you don’t start panicking. Instead, retrieve your missing tooth and gently rinse it off. Make sure to also rinse out your mouth before attempting to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If this is unsuccessful, place it between your gums and cheek inside your mouth or in a container of milk to keep it moist. Bring it with you to your appointment, and your dentist will determine if it can be saved. If not, your day of celebration may end in discussions on how to replace your tooth.

Wear your green attire, have fun with your friends, and celebrate responsibly this St. Patrick’s Day. When you wake the next morning to see a fully intact, healthy, and beautiful smile, you’ll be glad you did.

About the Author
Dr. Warren Hoffman is a dentist in North Sarasota who leads a team of dental professionals at Parkway Ridge Dental. An advocate for preventive care, he works closely with patients to help them maintain good oral hygiene inside the office and while at home. No matter the time of year, Dr. Hoffman is available to provide helpful tips and suggestions that will help individuals avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Contact us at (941) 358-8830 if you’re ready to take better care of your smile.