5 Ways to Protect Your Teeth During the Holidays

With the holidays here, you’re bound to enjoy listening to festive music, eating your favorite meals, and spending time with your family. Although this time of year is exciting, your pearly whites may not find it pleasing in the long run. With all the staple foods to snack on, this can also raise your risk of oral health complications later on, such as cavities. Keep reading to learn five ways you can protect your teeth during the holidays and beyond!

#1: Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

It can be tempting to simply use your teeth to help tear open a package or open a bottle cap for convenience. However, doing this can result in severe damage to your tooth and gums. One wrong bite can cause you to chip, crack, or damage your smile, which may require costly emergency dental treatment. To avoid this, be sure to keep the proper tools handy.

#2: Be Cautious with Candy Canes

Sugar is well-known for being detrimental to a person’s oral health, as it can increase the risk of decay and cavities. You might typically enjoy sweet treats during the holidays, especially candy canes on Christmas. Not only are they packed with sugar, but their hard texture can also be harmful to your teeth, as biting down on one can cause a chip or crack. If you do choose to enjoy candy canes, eat them carefully and brush your teeth afterward.

#3: Keep a Well-Balanced Diet

Make sure your plate is also filled with protein and vegetables during the festive season. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing the chance of developing oral health problems like cavities and gingivitis. Consider picking foods like broccoli, carrots (which contain vitamin A that strengthens enamel), and turkey or other lean meats (which consist of protein and phosphorous).

#4: Have a Dental Hygiene Travel Kit

Are you traveling or spending time away from home during the holidays? If so, consider packing a travel-sized dental hygiene kit to avoid breaking away from your daily cleaning routine. Be sure your kit includes a toothbrush, dental floss, toothpaste, and mini-mouthwash.

#5: Visit Your Dentist for Checkups & Cleanings

Before it’s time to celebrate the festivities, you may wish to schedule a visit to your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. Not only will they thoroughly polish your smile, but they’ll also assess your mouth and address any developing issues they might find. This can help prevent more serious complications from happening in the future.

The holidays can still be enjoyable without having to put your pearly whites at risk. Follow these few tips, and you’ll be free to spend quality time with loved ones while preserving a strong and healthy smile!

About the Author

Dr. Hamid Mirsepasi earned his dental degree from Rutgers University Dental School. He also regularly seeks continuing education to expand his expertise and is a member of the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontists. He provides a vast collection of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings, tooth-colored fillings, and gum disease therapy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 972-231-5744.