The holiday season is traditionally a time for parties, family gatherings, and other special events. We’re frequently exposed to holiday sweets and treats that can take a toll on our oral health. Once the fun of the season subsides, we can be left with cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues that need immediate treatment.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Scrooge to keep your smile healthy. Abir Faraj, DDS, at Novi Family Dentistry in Novi, Michigan, offers a few simple tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing your oral health.
We all know we need to brush twice a day and floss once daily, but when the busy holiday season is upon us, it’s easy to skip these tasks, especially when you get home late from a holiday event. The problem is, taking shortcuts on your home routine dramatically increases your risk of cavities and gum disease by allowing plaque and germs to linger longer.
Make an extra effort to keep home care as simple as possible. If you're going to be out late, set out your brush, paste, and floss ahead of time to serve as a reminder and make this habit as easy as possible. You might also consider carrying a travel toothbrush and travel sizes of toothpaste and mouthwash so you can stick to your routine no matter where you are.
Staying hydrated is important during the holidays, especially when sugary snacks and treats are so plentiful. Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away sugars and germs that can cause cavities and gum disease.
It’s also important to limit alcohol and caffeine, both of which can lead to dehydration. Choose herbal teas and seltzers with a splash of fruit juice instead, and avoid sugary beverages and energy drinks.
It’s no surprise that some holiday treats are more problematic than others when it comes to your oral health. Skip the sticky, sweet treats and stock up on fresh veggies and fruits along with yogurt and nut butter for dipping.
Cheese is another good snack for your teeth. Not only does cheese contain tooth-building calcium, but it also helps neutralize acids that can break down enamel and increase your risk of cavities.
When you’re out and about, it’s not always easy to skip treats entirely, especially at parties. It’s perfectly OK to indulge in a few treats (it’s the holiday season, after all), but do so wisely.
Avoid sticky candies and gooey cakes and cookies that leave sugary residue on your teeth. Decay- and disease-causing bacteria love sugars as much as you do, and leaving residue behind supports bacterial growth and increases the amount of harmful acids in your mouth.
Practicing mindful eating is another great way to limit snacking. Mindful eating helps you stay focused on the foods you consume so you enjoy them more and feel satisfied without eating too much. Not only does this approach benefit your oral health, but it can help you avoid holiday weight gain too.
With so much going on during the holiday season, it’s all too easy to ignore symptoms and put off care until the season is over. Doing so can allow underlying issues to become worse, which means you’ll need more complex (and costly) care later on.
If you notice any oral health symptoms, like tooth pain or bleeding or swollen gums, don’t ignore them. Call our office so we can schedule a quick visit to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
The new year is just around the corner, and that means it’s a great time to get a head start on your health needs. Making time for a checkup now helps ensure your smile looks its best while allowing Dr. Faraj to provide some much-needed preventive care like fluoride treatments or deep-cleaning to ward off gum disease.
From a cosmetic standpoint, a professional cleaning now helps your smile look its best for all those holiday parties and photo ops. For even more dazzling results, consider in-office whitening treatments for whiter teeth in one hour.
The holidays may be a time to indulge and celebrate, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to ignore your oral health needs. These simple tips can help you avoid cavities and other issues, so you can start the year with a dazzling smile.
To schedule a checkup with Dr. Faraj and our team, call 313-646-7903 or book an appointment online at Novi Family Dentistry today.
