When it comes to holiday foods, most people take the approach that “all bets are off” and calories don’t count. With this mindset, anything and everything can be eaten without remorse or consequence. Unfortunately, the body doesn’t work that way, nor does the mouth. As a result, countless patients see their dentists after the new year only to discover they have one or more cavities that have formed. Keep reading to find out how to keep the holidays from being your smile’s downfall.
What Makes the Holidays Problematic For Your Smile?
When you think about your daily routine and the foods you eat regularly and compare it to what you experience during the holidays, you’ll likely see there are many significant differences – ones that can take a toll on your teeth and gums.
For instance:
- If you’re traveling for the holidays, there’s a good chance that you may skip your oral hygiene routine so that you can stay up late or sleep in.
- Snacking foods are readily accessible because of how much time is spent sitting around with family and friends. Whether you’re playing games or watching movies, snacks are likely to be within reach at all times.
- Sugar is available in copious amounts. From cookies, cakes, pies, candy, and more, baking has become everyone’s favorite hobby during the holiday season. This means overindulgence is at an all-time high.
As a result of all of these listed above, cavities are common occurrences. When consuming lots of sugar and starch as well as neglecting your oral hygiene routine, it should come as no surprise when your dentist informs you that one or more dental fillings will be required during your New Year’s visit.
What Can You Do to Avoid a Holiday Dental Health Problem?
If you want your next dental visit after the new year to be a positive one, consider keeping these helpful tips in mind as you navigate the holidays with family and friends:
- Drink more water and less soda, alcohol, and juice. Water will help to keep your salivary glands working and flush out harmful bacteria.
- Listen to your favorite Christmas music while brushing your teeth before bed and when you get up in the morning.
- Try to add more vegetables and protein to your plate instead of potatoes and cranberry sauce. This will expose your teeth and gums to valuable nutrients while reducing the chances of dangerous food particles causing plaque and tartar buildup.
- When playing games or watching movies with family, try swapping sugary treats for healthier ones like fresh fruit.
Don’t throw caution to the wind when spending time with the ones you love. Take care of your teeth and gums, and you’ll enjoy a healthier smile while ringing in the new year.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia before going on to pursue a doctoral degree at the Medical University of South Carolina. His passion for the field is evident in his commitment to continuing education and completing courses at the Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute. At Dean Dental Care, he and his team want patients to make wonderful memories during the holidays but not at the expense of their smiles. If you are looking to avoid dental fillings in the coming year, visit their website or call (770) 786-3915 to find out how we can help you steer clear of cavities this holiday season.