The holiday season is finally here, and you’re probably feeling pretty ecstatic about all of the fun festivities you have planned! But one thing you need to keep in mind is your oral health; it’s sometimes easy to slip up and disregard your pearly whites when you have so many things going on. Here are some tips from your dentist in Houston to help you enjoy the holidays this year without ruining your smile.
Tip #1. Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
You absolutely shouldn’t neglect your oral hygiene routine during the holidays, no matter how busy you are! If you fail to brush and floss daily, you’ll be at an increased risk of cavities, stained teeth, gum disease, and other unpleasant issues. It’s also wise to rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash. And if you’re traveling for the holidays, be sure to pick up a travel-sized toothbrush and dental kit before heading out.
Tip #2. Watch What You Eat
There are all sorts of delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas staples that are popular this time of year, but unfortunately, many of them aren’t exactly smile-friendly. You should try to enjoy sugary and starchy items in moderation and stick with healthier options when possible. It’s fine to enjoy a candy cane or slice of pie every once in a while, but just be sure to clean your teeth afterwards!
Tip #3. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is the absolute best beverage for your body, including your smile. It helps to rinse away stray food particles that remain lingering after you eat and it also stimulates your mouth’s natural flow of saliva, which plays a crucial role in the fight against cavity-causing bacteria. Additionally, tap water also often has fluoride added to it—which directly benefits your pearly whites!
Tip #4. Enjoy Your Downtime
It’s not uncommon to feel stressed out or exhausted during the holiday season, as you might have a lot on your plate and several things to tend to. But unnecessary stress can sometimes lead to bruxism (teeth grinding) that might damage your teeth and harm your jaw if left unchecked. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, be sure that you’re getting plenty of rest and relaxing often over the holidays.
Tip #5. Seek Preventive Dental Care
You should be visiting your dentist biannually for preventive care—so why not schedule one of these visits for this time of year? These checkups allow your dentist to clean your mouth at a professional level, in addition to letting them inspect your smile for underlying issues.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing your smile is healthy and beautiful is one of the best gifts you can give yourself this year! By following these tips, you can ensure that your smile looks and feels its absolute best all throughout the holiday season.
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani received her DDS from the University of Texas at Houston and has proudly served patients and families in the Houston area for several years. Dr. Alani’s practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to reach out online or over the phone for assistance: (713) 621-5141.