It’s so easy to let loose during the holiday season. Family is visiting from out of town, perhaps you have a few days off from work and you’re ready to kick back and relax. Even though work might be taking a break and your children (or cousins) are out of school, your teeth are still susceptible to damage and decay just like any other month out of the year. Thankfully, you can prevent dental emergencies and cavities by avoiding these four poor habits, as recommended by a dentist in Uptown New Orleans.
Eating Sweets Throughout the Day
Whether your significant other has just put out a bowl of candies in the kitchen or your workplace is handing out sweets like it’s (well, candy,) you should make an effort to not eat it as you work or as you relax throughout the day. Tooth decay and gum disease are far more likely to develop when your mouth is constantly bathed in sugars.
Instead, make an effort to only have sweets following a meal. Saliva production is much higher during this period, and the mouth is better equipped to manage sweets then, rather than when you’re having sweets entirely on their own. At the very least, brush your teeth after you’ve had a piece of cake or holiday cookie so that food debris and sugar doesn’t stay caked onto your tooth enamel.
Forgetting to Drink Water
There are many holiday beverages worth enjoying: peppermint coffee, eggnog, a rich and decadent glass of wine. However, without water to balance these beverages out, your teeth are sure to develop cavities and become stained due to the richly pigmentated ingredients all of these drinks have.
Instead, make an effort to drink water throughout the day, especially if you do end up indulging. It’s a great way to wash away liquids and prevent them from sticking momentarily, even if you can’t get to the bathroom to brush.
Eating Sticky or Hard Foods
Sticky and hard foods, whether it’s hard peppermint candies, candy canes, caramels, toffee, peppermint bark, or chocolate covered popcorn, can all do serious damage to your tooth enamel. Make sure to keep these and other similar foods to a minimum. The last thing you want is a dental emergency to occur on your break.
If you must indulge, opt for chocolate instead. This is far less likely to stay on teeth and it’s way easier to brush off. Just make sure to keep water nearby to kickstart the process.
Skipping Your Oral Care Routine Altogether
As always, you should always keep up with your oral care routine, no matter how exhausted you might be after putting up holiday decorations or playing with your younger extended family members. This means:
- Brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste for at least two minutes
- Flossing once a day, ideally with waxed or monofilament floss for easier use
Furthermore, it helps to schedule an appointment with a dentist if you haven’t already. Doing so can give you the peace of mind that no underlying issues are present, so you can truly relax this holiday season!
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli is as gentle as he is caring when it comes to the comfort and health of his patients. He’ll make sure that no cavities, gum disease or any other problems are present so you can enjoy your holiday with confidence. He loves teaching patients how to practice daily at-home care and the best habits for maintaining positive oral health. To schedule an appointment with his office, you can contact him through his website.