From Halloween to New Year’s, many people consider the end-of-year holiday season to be the worst time of year for teeth. This is because the holidays make it all too easy to get into some bad habits that can eventually lead to cavities and other issues. To help you protect your oral health in Sparks, the following post explores some common holiday dental hazards as well as some tips for protecting your smile.
Factors That Make the Holidays Bad for Oral Health
Some of the biggest factors that can lead to tooth decay during the holidays include:
- Constant snacking: From appetizers to leftovers, many people spend holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas eating throughout most of the day. Unfortunately, if you’re constantly putting food in your mouth, your saliva won’t have time to wash away the particles and harmful bacteria that can cause cavities.
- Too much sugar: The holiday season is a time when many people indulge in candy, pumpkin pie, candy cane, and other sweet treats. Needless to say, eating a lot of sugar can dramatically increase your risk for tooth decay if you’re not careful.
- Breaking from your normal routine: Most people are used to brushing once after breakfast and once before bed. But if you spend the holidays traveling or attending late-night parties, it can be all too easy to drift from your normal oral hygiene routine.
Protecting Your Teeth During the Holidays
Luckily, the holidays don’t have to end with making an emergency appointment with your dentist. There are plenty of things you can do to keep your smile safe throughout the celebrations:
- Be mindful of how much sugar you’re consuming. You don’t have to give up sweets altogether, but make sure that you enjoy them in moderation.
- Set a reminder on your phone so that you don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth at designated times.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help keep your mouth clean even if you’re snacking more than usual.
- Carry dental floss wherever you go so that you can always clean between your teeth whenever you’re done eating.
- During holiday meals, focus on foods that are good for oral health such as cranberries, vegetables, turkey, and cheese.
- Schedule a post-holiday dental appointment. That way, if any dental issues do occur, they can be identified and treated as soon as possible.
The holidays may be potentially dangerous for your mouth, but don’t let the threat of cavities ruin the entire season for you. As long as you’re aware of the risks and take the proper precautions, you can enjoy the celebrations to the fullest while still keeping your smile safe.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific in 1993, and he has served in the US Army Dental Corps. Today at his Sparks practice, Vista Dental Care, he combines his experience with the latest technology to help families achieve complete oral health. To schedule a holiday appointment with Dr. Thomas, visit his website or call (775) 626-3535.