The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter and often, indulgent treats. While this time of year brings festive celebrations and family gatherings, it also introduces challenges when it comes to maintaining your dental health. With busy schedules, travel and a buffet of sugary treats, it is easy for oral care routines to take a back seat. However, a few mindful steps can help you stay on top of your dental health, ensuring your smile is bright for all those holiday photos!
Stay Consistent with Your Oral Hygiene Routine
It is tempting to let your oral care slip when you are rushing from one event to the next or traveling to visit family. However, maintaining a consistent routine is crucial. Even if you are short on time, be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. Traveling? Pack a small dental kit with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in your bag, so you are never without the essentials.
Pro Tip: If you are staying at a hotel or a relative’s house, ask if they have a toothbrush and toothpaste available in case you forget yours. Many hotels offer complimentary dental kits!
Be Mindful of Festive Holiday Treats
Holiday goodies, from cookies to candies, are often high in sugar, which can wreak havoc on your teeth. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to the production of acids that erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Of course, this does not mean you need to avoid all holiday treats, but remember moderation is key.
Try to balance sugary snacks with healthy alternatives. Cheese, nuts and raw vegetables like carrots and celery are great holiday snack options that also benefit your teeth by increasing saliva production and scrubbing the surfaces of your teeth.
Stay Hydrated
Between the hustle and bustle of holiday parties and family dinners, staying hydrated is often overlooked. Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities. Water also keeps your mouth hydrated, preventing dry mouth, which can increase bacteria and lead to tooth decay.
If you are indulging in holiday drinks like wine, soda or cocktails, be aware that they can be high in both sugar and very acidic, contributing to tooth enamel erosion. Sipping water between drinks can help mitigate the damage by neutralizing the acid and washing away residual sugar.
Never Use Your Teeth as Tools
When you are busy wrapping presents or assembling holiday decorations, you might be tempted to use your teeth to tear tape, open packages or crack nuts. Resist the urge! Using your teeth for anything other than chewing can lead to chipping, cracking or even breaking a tooth. Instead, keep a pair of scissors or a bottle opener nearby to do the job safely.
Schedule a Post-Holiday Dental Checkup
The holiday season is a busy time, but it is also a good opportunity to schedule a dental checkup for the new year. Having your teeth professionally cleaned after the holidays will help remove any plaque or tartar buildup that may have accumulated during the festivities. Our doctors can also catch and treat any minor issues before they become bigger problems.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time to celebrate, but that does not mean your dental health should take a vacation. By staying consistent with your daily oral hygiene, making smart choices when it comes to holiday treats and scheduling a post-holiday dental checkup, you can ensure that your smile remains healthy and bright throughout the season. From our dental family to yours we wish you happy holidays and keep on smiling!
Schedule Your Next Dental Visit
Our Valley View Dental team invites you to contact us to schedule an initial oral exam or routine dental cleaning and exam. We look forward to helping you create a healthy, beautiful smile in Romeoville, Naperville, and Montgomery, Illinois.