Without a doubt, the holidays are a time to indulge, with plenty of festive gatherings, holiday cookies, and eggnog to go around. The only downside is that all those goodies can really put you at risk for cavities and other problems. And the last thing you want to do during the holidays is to get unexpected dental work! Fortunately, there are some easy ways to enjoy this time of year without damaging your oral health. Keep reading below for 5 tips to keep your mouth and teeth healthy during the holidays so you enjoy yourself without worry.
1. Keep Some Floss On Hand
Keeping some floss on hand (and using it once a day) is important for preventing cavities and gum problems. But it’s also handy if you get something stuck in between your teeth like stringy bits of citrus fruit, candy, or a piece of meat. And if anyone else needs some at home, work, or a holiday party, you’ll have it covered.
2. Don’t Use Your Teeth as a Nut Cracker
Many people use their teeth to crack nuts or open bottles or packages, but you’re really putting your teeth at risk for cracking or breaking. Not to mention that any dental work like fillings, crowns, and bridges are also at risk. Instead, use the proper tool for the job and keep your teeth safe from harm.
3. Minimize Sticky Foods
The longer something sweet stays on your teeth, the more damage it will do. Try to minimize sticky foods like toffee, peanut brittle, caramel, and gooey desserts. If you do enjoy these treats, try to brush right away to remove any sugary residue on your teeth.
4. Prevent Cavities With Sugar-Free Gum
Brushing your teeth isn’t always possible when you’re on the go during the holidays, but chewing sugar-free gum is a great alternative after meals or snacks. While not a substitute for brushing, it does increase your salivary flow, which neutralizes sugars and acids and helps keep your teeth cavity-free. As an added bonus, it also keeps your breath fresh!
5. See a Dentist For a Checkup
Scheduling a checkup is one of the most important things you can do to avoid holiday dental emergencies. These visits allow a dentist to find any issues when they’re small and treat them with relatively simple procedures like fillings. You’ll also get your teeth cleaned and polished to help your smile look its best.
No one wants to deal with dental problems during the holiday season. With these 5 tips, you can still indulge without putting your smile at risk!
About the Author
Dr. H. Douglas Clark III is a family dentist and graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry. With a focus on prevention, he always gives his patients tips to enjoy the holidays as much as possible while maintaining their oral health at the same time. If you’d like any additional tips to keep your mouth and teeth healthy during the holidays, he can be reached via his website.