The holidays can be an enjoyable time full of cheerful decorating, delicious baking, family memories, and late-night movie-watching. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the worst times for your oral health. Amid all the hustle and bustle, you and your family may find certain habits changing or being neglected altogether, like brushing your teeth before bed or snacking on sweet treats all day. As you prepare for the weeks ahead, discover what problems dentists see most at the start of the year (i.e., cavities), and find out what you can do to keep everyone’s smile healthy and safe.
What Common Oral Health Problems Occur During the Holidays?
If you are scheduled to visit your dentist at the start of the new year, you may wonder what kind of condition your smile will be in after the holidays are over. With cavities being the most frequent occurrence, they and other similar issues are commonplace for many oral healthcare professionals, as individuals tend to become less diligent about their dental care routines in the last few weeks of December.
Some of the most common problems dentists see during that first dental checkup in January include:
- Dental cavities
- Gum disease
- Dental decay
- Enamel wear and tear
- Small chips or cracks
Holiday Pitfalls That Can Damage Your Smile
As you get ready to spend the holidays with family and friends, you may wonder what to look out for when safeguarding your smile.
- Snacking on sweets all day. While there are likely to be plenty of these tasty treats within arms reach at any given time, try to limit your consumption so that the sugar doesn’t cause cavities.
- Eating hard candies. Whether it’s your stocking or a bowl on the coffee table that is full of candy canes and other similar sweets, biting down on one of these can send you to the emergency dentist for timely care. If possible, try to avoid them so that your teeth don’t sustain any damage throughout the holidays.
- Drinking alcohol. Enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or toasting with champagne is fine; however, just like everything else, it should be done in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dry mouth – a problem that prevents your salivary glands from neutralizing harmful acids. Instead, drink plenty of water to ensure your mouth stays moist and free of bad bacteria.
- Neglecting oral hygiene. While staying with family or friends over the holidays, it’s easy to get out of your daily routine, especially when it comes to brushing and flossing. This can make you more vulnerable to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Set a timer on your phone to remind you to take care of your smile when you wake up and before you go to bed.
Don’t let your first visit to the dentist’s office next year leave you feeling regretful about how you spent the holidays. Take precautions now to set yourself and your smile up for success!
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Shaffer earned his dental degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2002. After completing his studies, he practiced for three years in Norfolk before moving to Lincoln in 2005. He offers emergency dental services at South Ridge Dental so that patients can get the care they need right away. With the holidays causing many individuals to develop cavities or experience a dental injury, he is here to provide ways to safeguard smiles year-round. Visit our website or call (402) 423-1616 if you need help to take better care of your smile between appointments.