Even if your dentist’s office is your favorite place in the world, the last place you would want to be during the holidays is there. This season is for spending quality time with your family, and the last thing you would want is for that to be ruined by a pesky oral health problem. To avoid an unexpected visit to your dentist in the middle of your holiday celebrations, follow these four oral health tips.
Don’t Fall Out Of Your Dental Hygiene Routine
The holidays can be chaotic, especially if your family is visiting from out of town. Unfortunately, a lengthy to-do list can get in the way of remembering to brush your teeth every morning and night and floss daily. This can allow plaque, food debris, and bacteria to accumulate between your teeth and gumline and cause problems like cavities and gum disease. When you take the time to care for your smile at the beginning and end of every day, it’ll make you feel healthy, energized, and ready to tackle all of the tasks you still need to get done. Remember to make time for your routine by setting an alarm or note in your phone.
Avoid Chewy and Sticky Sweets
It’s hard to not be tempted to snack on the infamous sweets that your grandma and aunt bake every holiday season. Plus, since you only get to enjoy them once a year, you figure you need to get your fill before they’re gone for good. Do your thing, but keep in mind that sugar fuels harmful oral bacteria that can cause cavities. To prevent any pesky issues from developing over the holidays, drink plenty of water to rinse your teeth of harmful substances and steer clear of sticky and chewy treats that stay on your teeth for longer. Also, if you don’t already, be sure to rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash daily to keep harmful oral bacteria from eroding your enamel.
Control Your Stress Levels
So much planning over the holiday season can cause your stress to be at an all-time high. Not only is this bad for your mental health, but it can also cause you to form bad habits that can harm your teeth and gums. Teeth grinding and clenching are a common sign of increased stress and anxiety. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, try to step away from what’s causing you to feel that way and relax by reading, meditating, or doing something that takes your mind off of everything you have to do. This will help you avoid excessively wearing down your teeth and eroding your enamel.
Don’t Use Your Teeth to Open Presents
Boundless enthusiasm for the holidays can make you act without thinking first, that includes tearing open packaging and presents with your teeth instead of grabbing a pair of scissors. Not only can this cause excessive wear-and-tear to your teeth, but it can also put you at an increased risk of chipping and breaking a tooth. Be sure to keep a pair of scissors in the room where you open presents in to avoid any accidents.
While accidents aren’t 100 percent avoidable, with these preventive measures, you’ll be able to reduce your risk of experiencing one. If you need any help or run into a dental dilemma during the holidays, be sure to contact your dentist for first-aid guidance and to schedule an appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Gladston Silva is dedicated to providing his patients with high-quality preventive dental care that keeps small oral health problems from developing into more severe ones. He also understands that every patient has their own unique needs, which is why he takes the time to listen and understand each patient that walks through his doors. He has also achieved several awards for providing exceptional comprehensive care for his patients. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning to keep your smile healthy over the holidays, visit Lakeside Daytona Dentist’s website or call 386-274-2021.