Well, this year’s winter holidays have nearly arrived. That means you’ve likely prepared for festive eating and family gatherings! Still, don’t assume the occasions only have upsides. It turns out that these holidays are bad for your oral health. If you act carelessly, you may end this season with cavities or gum disease. Luckily, your Montpelier dentist will help prevent these outcomes. Read on to learn why winter holidays harm teeth, including how to protect your grin from them.
Why Do Winter Holidays Harm Teeth?
With little exception, the winter holidays often promote bad oral habits. The worst of these are junk food grazing and poor dental care. Taken together, the two usually lead to dental problems.
Junk Food Grazing
Yes, snacking on unhealthy stuff can happen year-round. That said, this habit tends to get worse on year-end holidays.
During the winter season, many families have sweets as a tradition. Such treats include chocolates, cookies, cakes, etc. Naturally, their high sugar content will increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities. Adding insult to injury, grazing on these items can cause dry mouth. The latter problem can drive harmful bacteria growth, making dental issues even more likely.
Bad Oral Hygiene
In most cases, people try to care for their grins well. However, the winter holidays make oral hygiene tricky.
You see, these holidays tend to involve travel and fluid schedules. That means they often disrupt normal routines – dental care included. Between family chats and living arrangements, brushing and flossing may get ignored. This neglect of your smile then elevates your risk of gum disease and other oral issues.
How Can You Protect Your Grin?
Of course, the holidays don’t have to ruin your oral health. You can protect your grin from them by taking certain steps. Some good examples include:
- Get a Pre-Holiday Checkup – Ahead of the holidays, see your dentist for a quick dental checkup. They’ll clean and strengthen your smile, helping it endure the later feasting.
- Only Eat at Meal Times – Only eat at meal times during the holidays. That way, you won’t graze on junk food at odd hours.
- Avoid Sugary Sweets – Even if gingerbread and candy canes tempt you, lay off the sugary stuff. Consider filling up on healthy veggies instead.
- Drink Water Often – While pleasing, soda and wine can erode tooth enamel. You’re better off drinking water, which is sugar-free and non-acidic.
- Do More Playing – Rather than focus on food, make the holidays more about fun activities. These can range from board games and crafts to movie marathons.
Since the holidays are bad for your oral health, defend your grin with the tips and tricks above!
About the Practice
River Station Dentistry is based in Montpelier, VT. Run by Drs. Hale and Bishko, our practice wants every patient to get the smile they deserve. We thus offer comprehensive dental services, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. Our team is also ready and able to handle dental emergency care and sedation dentistry. For other details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (802)-223-2244.