Oral Health Reminders for Cinco de Mayo

Today marks an important day in Mexican history. Cinco de Mayo serves as a celebratory holiday of a time when Mexico won the battle against an invading country. In 1862, French forces attempted to invade Mexico but were beaten in battle. There is a rich history to this day, but many are unaware of exactly what they are celebrating. If you do choose to partake in the festivities, you might go out for Mexican cuisine or enjoy a few drinks at the local bar. May 5th can be a fun day to go out with friends and family members.

Whether you have specific plans for tonight or just want to see what happens, it’s important to be aware of your oral health. You might find yourself munching on chips and salsa. However, think twice before going straight to bed afterwards. Chips are hard and can wear down enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to bacteria. Additionally, the small pieces that crunch could get lodged between your teeth. These spaces become perfect breeding grounds for bacteria–the same type of bacteria responsible for gingivitis and gum disease. If you eat a hearty meal tonight, brush your teeth tonight well. Floss afterwards to get those smaller particles that a toothbrush can’t reach. And if you’re worried about a strong aftertaste, you can also use mouthwash.

If you plan to drink tonight for the celebration, make sure to have water on hand so that you can rinse out your mouth. Alcohol buildup in the mouth can coat your tongue and teeth in a sticky layer that allows bacteria to grow. Additionally, you might find your mouth drying out and therefore producing less saliva. Saliva naturally cleans out your mouth, so you will want to replenish this natural flushing effect with water. Too many margaritas may put you to sleep, so find the energy to brush your teeth quickly before going to bed. Your body will thank you for it.

Cinco de Mayo is a fun day to celebrate, so we encourage everyone to have an enjoyable night. If you have additional questions about how to manage you oral health, contact the team at Greenspoint today.