The holidays are the perfect time for your family to get together and enjoy some sweet treats. From the delicious desserts served after your Thanksgiving meal to the candy canes and cookies that abound in December, there’s plenty to look forward to. However, if you’re not careful, the festivities could end with cavities and emergency trips to the dentist. To keep the holidays safe for smiles, make sure that everyone is following these 5 tips.
1. Avoid Eating Too Much Sugar at Once
Eating a lot of sugary snacks nonstop can put you at a higher risk of tooth decay, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid these treats altogether. The trick is moderation; you’ll do your teeth a lot of good if you only eat one dessert at a time and then brush afterwards.
2. Don’t Use Your Teeth to Crack Open a Nut
Nuts are actually a very healthy holiday snack that can help keep your bones and muscles strong, but if they’re still in their shells, you shouldn’t try to open them with your mouth. Biting down on these shells (as well as any other hard object) could cause serious damage to your teeth and may even break them. Leave the shelling to the nutcrackers.
3. Say “No” to Chewier Treats
Sticky candies such as caramel and taffy can be particularly harmful to your teeth. First, they tend to stick to your enamel; this means the sugar they contain stays in your mouth longer, increasing the risk of cavities. And second, if you have a crown or a filling, a sticky treat could yank it out and leave your weakened tooth exposed. If you do decide to indulge in these treats, do so sparingly and try eating them along with other foods so that they’re less likely to stick.
4. Maintain Your Oral Health Routine
It can be easy to let the holidays throw off your routine, but it’s important to always make time to brush and floss at least two times each day. It’s a good idea to keep a toothbrush and some travel-sized toothpaste in your purse or briefcase so that you can use them between meals.
5. Visit Your Dentist Now
You should have a dental examination and cleaning once every six months, and if that appointment happens to fall during the holidays, so much the better. These visits will help prevent cavities and allow your dentist catch oral health problems when they’re still small and easier to treat.
A dental emergency can still strike at any time despite your best efforts; make sure that everyone in your family knows the answer to the question, “Where’s a good dentist near me?” That said, if you follow these simple tips, you’ll find it much easier to protect those perfect smiles for your holiday photos.
About the Practice
At Darby Creek Dental, our three talented dentists combine their impressive experience and skill sets in order to bring families in Marysville the comprehensive dental care they deserve. Our warm and friendly office atmosphere will help you stay calm and comfortable during your checkups. To make an appointment for the holidays, visit our website or call (937) 644-8822.