The holiday season can be a tricky time for oral health. People are back to traveling for the holidays, going to holiday parties, and eating and drinking all of the things that come with that. So how do you make sure you keep up with your oral health during this time? Dr. Mark Sowell, a Plano, TX dentist, offers some tips
Keep Up With Your Normal Routine
Just because you’re not in your own house doesn’t mean that you stop brushing and flossing. Make sure you’re keeping up with this no matter where you are. Bring along your own toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss if you want to make sure you have supplies that you’re used to and like.
Try to brush and floss at certain times in the morning and at night. This helps you stay in a regular routine. If you think you’ll have a problem, set alarms on your phone when you’re likely to be in a place where you can take care of your oral hygiene. It’ll help you ensure you’re doing what you need every day.
Limit Your Sweet Intake
The holiday season is notorious for sweet treats. Pies, cookies, and candies are all normally featured at holiday parties and get-togethers. It’s okay to indulge in the treats of the season. Just make sure you don’t overdo it. In particular, try to avoid hard candy, as this can lead to a dental emergency. And be sure to take a drink of water after to help wash away sugar.
Use Tools To Open Presents
Particularly if there are children at your holiday celebrations, they’re going to be excited to open those toys and presents right away. But don’t use your teeth to try to open the packages for these excited little ones. Make sure you have a pocket knife or scissors on hand to open those tricky plastic packages. Using your teeth is another way to cause damage.
Drink A Lot Of Water
Holiday parties don’t just mean sugary foods, but also sweet drinks. Alcohol and caffeine are also prevalent, which can dry out your mouth. Having less saliva and more sugar is a recipe for more plaque and tartar to develop. Make sure you’re drinking a lot of water in between those sugary drinks. Water is the best way to keep your mouth hydrated and take care of bacteria.
Consider A Nutcracker
Having nuts out to snack on before and after the actual meal is also common for the holiday season. But don’t try to crack them with your teeth. Your family may be the competitive type, but competing in cracking nuts isn’t the way to go about it. Keep a nutcracker on hand so that no one damages their teeth. A nutcracker can also be a great gift for the holidays to come!
Schedule An Appointment With Your Plano, Texas Dentist
Making sure you have a dental checkup scheduled for after the holidays can help make sure that the holidays don’t get the best of your smile. Call us or schedule a consultation online today.