It’s almost that time of year again! Although this holiday season won’t be quite like it was years ago, it should be closer to normal than last year. You’ll have a lot of celebrating to do with loved ones, and you can enjoy spending time with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while. However, there’s one bad thing that often comes from all the festivities—oral health issues. This time of year is the worst for cavities and dental emergencies, but it doesn’t have to ruin your smile. Here are four ways to make sure your smile stays strong!
Be Choosy About Your Sweets
The holidays are full of yummy treats, but that doesn’t mean you need to have all of them or too much. Try to limit your sugar consumption because sugar fuels the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Also, you can consciously pick which sweets you decide to indulge in. For instance, instead of having a candy cane, which allows sugar to linger in the mouth, you could have chocolate, which is easier to clean off teeth. Instead of fruitcake, which has sticky dried fruit in it, you could opt to have fresh fruit. By being a little more particular about your eating habits, you can hopefully avoid dental decay and disease.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
You may be roasting chestnuts or other nuts this time of year, and it can be tempting to crack them with your teeth. Also, after getting presents, you may want to bust into the packaging as fast as possible by using your teeth. However, they were designed to bite and grind food, not break through hard plastic or crunchy nutshells. You may find yourself chipping or cracking a tooth! Instead, find scissors, nutcrackers, or other appropriate tools to keep your teeth safe from damage.
Drink Lots of Water
Although there are plenty of beverages during the holiday season, the absolute best one for your smile and your body in general is water. It contains no sugar, rinses bacteria and food debris away, and neutralizes acids in your mouth. Make sure you’re sipping water throughout the day and getting enough to keep your mouth properly hydrated. If you have another kind of drink, such as eggnog or hot chocolate, have some water afterward to wash away any residual sugar that could be in your mouth.
Stick to a Healthy Oral Routine
If you’re like most people, the holidays can throw off your usual schedule. Whether you’re traveling, going to late get-togethers, or sleeping in, some parts of your normal routine still need to be followed, specifically your oral healthcare routine. Be sure you continue to brush and floss every day because damaging plaque can quickly build up, and these little habits can prevent cavities and gum disease from wreaking havoc on your smile.
By implementing these tips into your lifestyle, you can keep your teeth and gums protected from common holiday problems. If you need more guidance for staying healthy, feel free to reach out to your dentist, who would be happy to help you smile through the holidays and beyond!
About the Author
Dr. David Thomas takes pride in educating his patients about their oral health and helping them achieve their best smiles. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with his dental degree, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, and he continues to build his expertise through advanced training. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas, you can contact his practice, Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien online or by calling 206-244-4622.
