The holidays can lead to a little extra weight gain if you aren’t careful, but it can also be a bad time for your dental health. Whether you’re staying at home or traveling for the holidays, you can have an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Here are the biggest factors that can affect your teeth and how you can keep your mouth healthy during the holidays.
Snacking More Often
You’ll be surrounded by many tasty snacks and meals that will make your mouth water. You will probably snack more during the holidays. Your teeth will be exposed to food residue more often, which can cause an overgrowth of harmful plaque.
It’s best to choose healthy snacks and step up your oral hygiene. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes in the morning, at night, and after every meal. Don’t forget to floss before going to bed.
Sugar and Starches
The holidays wouldn’t be the same if not for candy canes, stuffing, and cookies. Although they are staples of the season, they contain sugars and starches, which feed cavity-causing bacteria.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy alternatives. They are loaded with nutrients and act as scrub brushes for your teeth to remove plaque and food residue. If you can’t resist your sweet tooth, moderate sugar consumption and brush your teeth when you’re finished.
Poor Oral Hygiene
The holidays are a busy time of the year. It’s easy to skip brushing before bed after a long day of meal planning or shopping for gifts. Not to mention, you can deviate from your regular oral hygiene routine if you are traveling. Skipping brushing and flossing for even a few weeks can lead to cavities and gum disease.
It is important to brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Commit to flossing your teeth at least once per day. Create a travel oral hygiene kit to take with you on the road to make it easy to brush and floss when you’re not at home.
Skipping Dental Appointments
Routine dental appointments are essential for a healthy mouth, but they can be put on the back burner during the holidays. Unfortunately, this can lead to a dental emergency from untreated oral health problems, like cavities.
Keep your dental health a priority. Schedule your semi-annual cleaning and checkup before the new year. You’ll avoid a dental emergency and head into 2024 with a healthy, beautiful smile.
About Dr. Gabriella Galvez
Dr. Galvez achieved her dental degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. She has regularly continued her training in general dentistry and many other specialties. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association and several additional professional organizations. Request an appointment through her website or call (203) 697-8558.
