We are in full-force holiday season, which means you need to be thinking about how to maintain beautiful and healthy teeth!
Okay… I know that your dental regime is the last thing on your mind this time of year. Between holiday shopping, cooking, and family members coming into town, who has time to visit the dentist? Our glutenous inhibition gets the better of us during the holiday season, which also means you’ll be putting your teeth against the brunt of more sugary and acidic treats than usual.
This is exactly why you need to make sure you work on that holiday smile and make sure you’re teeth don’t get neglected. So here are a few tips on how to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays.
Avoid the Hard Stuff
We’re past Halloween, but I’m willing to bet that you still have some leftover candy around the house. Either that or you’re already anticipating the delicious taffy that your aunt bring to Christmas dinner every year.
As a dentist, naturally, I have to advise you to step back from candies or chewy desserts. Hard candy, in particular, can leave you susceptible to chipped teeth, cavities, and even tooth pain if you eat too much of it. The last thing you will want to have to deal with during the holiday season is a trip to the dentist to fix a cracked tooth. If you have to indulge in any sweets, stick to the softer options like cheesecake and pumpkin pie!
Don’t Use Your Teeth As A Bottle Opener
Imagine that it’s Christmas morning and you unwrap a present in the form of one of Apple’s latest accessories. These pricy items generally come in a compact plastic case that even scissors have a hard time getting to crack open. In these situations, I know that it’s common to resort to your teeth as an opening mechanism.
Don’t do that!
Using your teeth to open packages can damage your teeth in more ways than one. It can cut the inside of your mouth (i.e. your gums) and can severely chip or crack a tooth.
The same goes for opening your holiday brew. If your family always forgets to bring a bottle opener to your holiday get-together, why don’t you take the reins and be the one who brings this handy little tool? Trust me, your family will thank you for it later.
Stick with Your Routine for Healthy Teeth
Another thing that becomes an issue during the holidays is maintaining your regular dental routine. With all the chaos and hustle, at the end of the day, you might feel too tired to brush your teeth. Or maybe you’re out of town and forgot your toothbrush. So you think, “Eh. One day without brushing won’t hurt!”
However, the best way to maintain your healthy teeth is to remain vigilant. Make sure you pack a set of travel dental equipment if you’re leaving town. And don’t be afraid to sneak it into the family party so you can brush after you stuff yourself full of delicious food. If you’re hosting your holiday shindig, make it a habit to still brush, floss, and use mouthwash in between making small talk with your guests.
Visit Your Dentist One Last Time for Holiday Preparations
To make sure that you are truly preparing for the holidays, why not get one last dentist visit in before the family shows up? You can get your teeth cleaned so that they are prepared for battle against the turkey, stuffing, and endless table of desserts!
You can even ask your local Chicago dentist about teeth whitening services. Don’t you want to look back on all of those holiday photos and be proud of your smile? Talk to Dr. Siegel about the best teeth whitening tactics to take this holiday season!
RELATED: Teeth Whitening in Chicago
About Dr. Siegel
Dr. Siegel is a celebrated dentist in Chicago who is an expert in Invisalign, veneers, and other types of cosmetic dentistry. He’s extremely active in the community as a member of the Dentist in Chicago Society, Illinois State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the prestigious Academy of Gp Orthodontics.
For more information, please contact us at Big Smile Dental. We would be pleased to schedule a consultation.
