The holiday season is a time for family, friends and… cavities?
But while holiday feasts are a wonderful tradition, they can also take a toll on your oral health. And as tempting as it may be to indulge in all the holiday sweets, it’s important to maintain good dental habits. After all, no one wants to start the New Year off with a trip to the dentist!
So this holiday season, let’s make a commitment to our teeth and make sure we keep them healthy and sparkling throughout the year. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and sparkling all season long.
How to Care for Your Teeth During Holidays
1. Don’t skip your regular dental appointments.
Just because you’re busy with holiday parties and shopping doesn’t mean you can skip your regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Your teeth deserve some holiday love, too! Plaque and tartar can build up quickly during the holiday season, so be sure to schedule a cleaning with your dentist.
In most cases, it’s best to book a dental appointment before the holiday rush begins. If you’re travelling for the holidays, don’t forget to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste and other dental products. A little holiday preventive care will go a long way towards keeping your smile healthy and bright.
2. Be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking.
Holiday parties are often filled with sugary treats and alcoholic beverages, both of which can be damaging to your teeth. From cookies and pies to holiday cocktails, it’s easy to overindulge this time of year. And while a little indulgence is fine, too much sugar can be bad for your teeth.
Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities, and acidic foods and drinks can break down tooth enamel. So if you’re indulging in holiday sweets, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards. Remember to limit your intake of sugary drinks like eggnog and punch, and water is always the best choice for your teeth.
3. Stay hydrated.
It’s no secret that water is essential for our health. But did you know that it’s also important for keeping your mouth healthy?
That’s right, water is vital for preventing holiday tooth decay. When you drink plenty of water, it helps to rinse away food and bacteria from your teeth. It also helps to keep your saliva levels balanced, which is important for preventing cavities.
If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your holiday water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime. Not only will it taste refreshing but it will also help to keep your mouth healthy.
4. Don’t use your teeth as tools.
It’s the holiday season, and that means lots of parties and celebrations. It also means lots of opening bottles and packages, which can be a real pain if you don’t have the proper tools. However, before you start opening things with your teeth, think about the damage you could be doing to your pearly whites.
Teeth are not meant to be used as bottle openers or can crushers. Not only is this a surefire way to damage your teeth, but it’s also just gross. Worse, it can lead to chips, cracks and other dental problems.
5. Avoid tobacco products.
It’s that time of year again when holiday parties and gatherings abound. While holiday cheer is in the air, so is the temptation to indulge in some not-so-healthy habits, like smoking tobacco. But before you light up a stick, consider this: tobacco use is a leading cause of tooth loss.
It’s estimated that tobacco users are three times more likely to lose their teeth than non-tobacco users. Although losing a tooth or two may not seem like a big deal, missing teeth can lead to serious problems with eating, speaking and self-esteem.
6. Keep up with your oral hygiene routine.
While it’s important to take a break from work and relax on holiday, there’s one thing you shouldn’t neglect: your oral hygiene routine!
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can slack off on brushing and flossing your teeth. Essentially, the holiday is the perfect time to give your teeth a little extra TLC. With all the sugary food and drinks that are typically consumed on holiday, your teeth are likely to come under extra stress. So, make sure to brush twice a day and floss regularly to keep them in tip-top condition.
7. Wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
The holiday season is a time for giving, and that includes giving your teeth a break from the rigours of contact sports. If you’re playing any football, hockey or other contact sport this holiday season, be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
A good mouthguard will help to absorb shock and prevent your teeth from being damaged or knocked out. Not to mention, it’ll also help you avoid that dreaded trip to the dentist.
Following these tips will help you keep your teeth healthy and strong not only during the holiday season but for the year ahead.
Contact SmileVille for your holiday dental visit!
