Navratri 2023: How To Take Care Of Your Gum Health During Festivities

Festivities call for fun, frolic, family time, and food. Food, yes-savouries in Navratri are not only finger-licking good but also special for the occasion. However, the nine-day-long fast is the highlight of the season.

With the upcoming holidays, fasting, binge-eating, and lots of outings and late nights, it's best not to forget good oral hygiene. Stay on as we discuss a few Navratri teeth health tips to keep you healthy this Dussehra!

Navratri 2023: How To Take Care Of Your Gum Health During Festivities

Good Oral Health this Navratri

● Stay hydrated
Sip on water throughout the day, even during fasting hours.

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good oral health. Drinking water aids in the removal of food particles and bacteria, lowering the risk of dental problems. Maintaining proper hydration becomes even more important during Navratri, when fasting may cause dry mouth.

● Teeth-Friendly Food
Choose tooth-friendly foods such as yoghurt, buttermilk, and fresh fruits.

These foods have a lower chance of causing tooth decay. Yoghurt and buttermilk contain probiotics, which can help maintain a healthy balance of oral bacteria. Fresh fruits provide important nutrients while avoiding the added sugars found in many Navratri snacks.

● Cut Back on Sugars
Limit sugary snacks and sweets, and rinse your mouth or brush after consuming them.

Many traditional Navratri snacks and sweets contain a lot of sugar, which contributes to tooth decay. Limit your consumption of these items and, if you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterwards to reduce the impact of sugar on your teeth.

● Oral Hygiene Routine
You cannot miss out on a regular brushing and flossing routine.

Do not forget to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste. Flossing is crucial to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which can be challenging during fasting when you may be having a lot of fibrous fruits and vegetables.

● Rinse After Anything You Eat
Use tap water or lukewarm mildly saline water after meals to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

This helps reduce the residual food particles in the mouth that form a haven for bacterial growth. Rinsing with mouthwash after meals can be especially useful during fasting when regular brushing might not be feasible.

● Herbal Fresh Breath Alternatives
Consider chewing on herbs like fennel seeds (saunf) or cloves, which can naturally freshen your breath.

These help combat bad breath, which may be a concern during fasting when you're not consuming regular meals. Chewing sugar-free gum with these natural ingredients can also be effective.

Dos and Don'ts This Navratri For Oral Health

Do's for Dental Health During Navratri:

● Maintain regular brushing and flossing
● Rinse your mouth after consuming sugary or acidic foods
● Drink water to stay hydrated
● Choose teeth-friendly foods like dairy and fruits

Don'ts for Dental Health During Navratri

● Avoid excessive sugary snacks and sweets
● Don't neglect dental check-ups during the festival

This festive season, make Navratri teeth health your priority. Whether you are fasting or binge eating delicious mithai, puris, namkeens, etc, rinsing your mouth soon after and brushing twice daily should not be side-lined. Maintaining good oral hygiene is a year-round commitment. These tips are not limited to Navratri but should be followed consistently for healthy teeth and gums.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.