While it’s possible for your diet to negatively impact your smile any time of the year, the holidays are particularly bad for a variety of reasons. Not only are harmful foods more available to you (both at home and at work), but your oral care routine can take a hit, especially if you plan to travel. Learn about the most common factors that affect your oral health during the holidays and what you can do to prepare in advance.
Common Holiday Factors That Harm Your Smile
There are certain habits that are undeniable during the holiday season, including the following:
- More Snacking, Much More: It seems the holidays are the time of year where everyone is expected to cook a feast for their loved ones. As a result, you’re far more likely to snack throughout the day as leftovers from big dinners pile up. Snacking throughout the day is actually more harmful to your teeth than eating a full and balanced meal because you aren’t giving your mouth a chance to produce saliva. Saliva production is crucial to keeping your mouth clean in between meals, assuming you aren’t brushing and flossing every time you eat.
- Sugary Treats at Every Turn: Limiting the number of sugar-filled treats you eat throughout the holidays is crucial to reducing your risk of tooth decay. For holidays like Christmas, you’re more likely to eat sweets all month long, making it especially difficult to keep teeth clean. The fact of the matter is sugar is consumed by oral bacteria, which then converts it into plaque acids that harm teeth.
- Major, Sudden Changes in Routine: If you plan to travel for the holidays, you may notice a major disruption in your routine. This includes your daily oral care, which can easily go by the wayside in favor of activities or obligations that are part of your trip. Perhaps you stay up longer than you intended and go to bed without giving your toothbrush a second thought.
The Best Tips to Help You Stay Proactive
The good news is there are ways to protect your smile even when the holidays throw a wrench in your routine. For example:
- Drink plenty of water while you eat and throughout the day to keep saliva production high and loosen food debris.
- Never forget your oral care products when traveling, including your toothbrush, floss, and oral rinse. Set a recurring alarm for when you need to practice oral hygiene when traveling so you never forget.
- Keep away from foods that are very sticky, hard, chewy, acidic, or capable of staining teeth.
- Maintain a balanced diets of healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Balancing carbohydrates, vegetables, and proteins can reduce the urge for snacking later.
- Opt for holiday treats that contain less sugar, such as peppermint-flavored beverages, gingerbread cookies, and dark chocolate.
If you haven’t already, be sure that a dental appointment is on your holiday to-do list as well. You never know when oral issues could be present without your knowledge!
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani has over 30 years of experience in the dental field and her team goes above and beyond to help patients achieve a smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful. She’s happy to not only perform comprehensive cleanings and exams, but provide tips that reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease throughout the holiday season. To schedule an appointment, you can contact her through her website.