If you are ready to get prepared with 5 dental tips for the holidays, read on.
What Are 5 Dental Tips To Keep In Mind During The Holidays?
The holiday season is the best time to reconnect with family, celebrate successes, and look forward to the new year. With a busy schedule filled with holiday dinners, Friendsgivings, and family game nights, it’s important to prioritize your oral health. Though it could be easy to cut loose and indulge in seasonal treats, you should also be conscious of the effect it has on your body.
Here at Digital Denture + Implants, we believe that you can enjoy seasonal sweets and still have a cavity-free smile to flash in festive photos. Here are 5 tips to help you keep your teeth healthy this holiday season.
- Limit candy.
- You are NOT a nutcracker.
- Keep up your dental hygiene.
- Schedule an appointment BEFORE your trip.
- Know what to do during a dental emergency.
1. Limit Candy.
Candy canes, caramel-covered popcorn, and other tacky sweets are in full swing during the holidays. A non-stop candy buffet isn’t just bad for the waistline, but can increase tooth decay significantly! We want you to enjoy your holiday and all the great food and company. Instead of a constant intake of delicious goodies, sit and enjoy a meal with a holiday dessert and brush after eating. It’s a win-win for you and your teeth.
2. You Are NOT A Nutcracker.
We aren’t sure where the idea comes from, but it’s not uncommon for an emergency patient to come in during the holidays after an unfortunate walnut incident. Not only can cracking nuts damage teeth, gum lacerations and tongue damage are also common injuries that can ruin a holiday. Injuries left untreated during the holiday can lead to infection, cracked teeth, and a number of other oral health issues. Remember, your jaw muscles are capable of tremendous force. Don’t use that powerful force against you. Instead, try using a nutcracker or can opener.
3. Keep Up Your Dental Hygiene.
Brush twice a day and floss between meals. That’s the basic dental care routine you’ve heard since your first teeth started to come in and do not let that stop during the holidays. We understand that vacations mean travel, late nights, and commuting. It can be easy to forget to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste. Luckily, travel packs are affordable and discrete and can be kept in a car or in a small pouch of a backpack. Going multiple nights without brushing causes layers of sugar to sit in place. This will allow bacteria to feed on the sugar and increase acid production that will eat away at your tooth enamel. Stop bacteria in their tracks by spending 2 minutes brushing your teeth.
4. Schedule An Appointment BEFORE Your Trip.
Skipping a dental exam could get you on the naughty list, but worse than that is dealing with tooth pain during the holidays. Waiting until the new year to fix a broken tooth or replace a lost filling could make the problem worse. Instead, schedule a visit a few weeks before your trip and make sure you are at 100%. If you have a missing tooth that you’ve been putting off, don’t leave it untreated. Untreated gaps can lead to infection, and bone loss, and can even affect the surrounding teeth. Treat yourself to a happy and healthy visit that will save you pain and money.
5. Know What To Do During A Dental Emergency.
Our office may have special hours, so be sure to ask ahead of time at 866-512-2084. Have our phone number and emergency number saved on your phone. We understand that emergencies happen. Our team has helped many patients during dental emergencies. Whether it is a walk-in appointment, over-the-phone prescription, or even dental tips for a home remedy, Digital Denture + Implants is here to help. Cheers to the most wonderful time of the year, and to taking the absolute best care of your holiday smile no matter what the calendar brings!
