The holidays are almost here. Time to decorate and celebrate! But it’s also a time when our normal routines, especially those related to our health, can easily get derailed.
With a little mindfulness and a few smart strategies, you can indulge in the season’s festivities while still keeping your smile and body healthy. Here are 12 practical tips to help you navigate the holidays without compromising your oral health.
1. Don’t Skip Your Oral Hygiene Routine
With all that’s going on this time of year, it can be tempting to fall into bed without brushing and flossing. But remember, plaque doesn’t take a holiday!
Sticking to your routine of brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily is the single most important thing you can do to prevent cavities and gum disease.
2. Be Smart About Sugary Treats
Holiday cookies, candy canes, and savory pies are everywhere. While you should certainly enjoy your favorite treats, try to consume them in moderation. When you do indulge, have them with a meal rather than snacking on them throughout the day. This limits the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is your best friend during the holidays, and all year round! It helps rinse away food, neutralizes acids, and keeps you hydrated. Swishing with water after eating a sweet treat can make a big difference until you have a chance to brush.
4. Beware of Sticky and Hard Candies
Certain holiday candies pose a greater threat than others. Sticky Treats like caramels, taffy, and gummy candies cling to your teeth, giving sugar-loving bacteria plenty of time to produce cavity-causing acid.Hard candies like peppermints and candy canes dissolve slowly, bathing your teeth in sugar. Biting down on them can also lead to a dental emergency, like a chipped or cracked tooth.
5. Choose Smile-Friendly Stocking Stuffers
Instead of loading up stockings with sugary candy, consider some tooth-healthy alternatives. A fun new toothbrush with a favorite character, flavored floss, or a cool travel-sized oral hygiene kit can be a great way to encourage healthy habits.
6. Watch What You Drink
Holiday beverages can be mean lots of extra sugar and acid. Hot cocoa, eggnog, and sugary cocktails can contribute to tooth decay. Red wine, coffee, and tea can also stain your teeth. Enjoy them, but be sure to rinse with water afterward.
7. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
The holiday season brings a flurry of packages to open and tags to cut. It can be tempting to use your teeth to rip open a package or snip a piece of tape, but this can cause a dental injury. Always grab a pair of scissors instead to avoid chipping, cracking, or seriously injuring your teeth.
8. Pack a Travel Dental Kit
If you’re traveling for the holidays or attending parties, pack a small kit with a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. This makes it easy to clean your teeth on the go, especially after a big holiday meal.
9. Eat Your Veggies First
At a bursting holiday table, start with healthy options like a veggie platter. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can actually help clean your teeth naturally by stimulating saliva flow, and filling up on them first may make you less likely to overdo it on less healthy choices.
10. Manage Holiday Stress
The holidays can be stressful, and stress often leads to habits like teeth grinding or jaw clenching. This can cause headaches, jaw pain, and tooth damage. Be sure to take time for yourself to relax, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or quiet time.
11. Don’t Forget About Overall Health
Your oral health is connected to your overall health. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, staying active, and eating balanced meals outside of the big holiday feasts. A healthy body supports a healthy mouth.
12. Schedule a Post-Holiday Check-up
The start of a new year is a great time for a fresh start. Contact us today to schedule a dental cleaning and check-up for January.
We wish you and your family a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!