4 Ways to Keep Your Oral Health a Priority Throughout the Holidays

The holidays can be a hard time to try and stick to a routine. When cookies, candy, and an array of sweet treats fill the home, you can forget about trying to lose weight. But what about keeping your teeth and gums clean? Regular brushing and flossing are imperative in order to keep decay and disease from overtaking your smile, so if you want to have a beautiful smile when 2020 arrives, let an emergency dentist share 4 ways you can keep your oral health a priority this holiday season.

Keep Your Regular Routine

Yes, even though late nights of wrapping gifts and playing games may have you tired and ready for bed, it’s important that you remember to take time to brush your teeth, floss, and rinse before calling it a night. Doing this will ensure that anything on your teeth is thoroughly removed, eliminating the possibility for bacteria to burrow into the crevices and cause tooth decay, gum disease, or cavities.

Use Tools, Not Your Teeth

Enjoy eating walnuts or pecans? These heart-healthy nuts are great for your body and smile but cracking into them isn’t always easy. If you are thinking about using your teeth to open the shell, think again. Not only can you chip or crack a tooth, but you’ll be setting yourself up for a trip to the dentist’s office to have a root canal or other restorative procedure if you’re not careful. Teeth are not meant to tear open packages, crack open nuts, or serve as “tools.” The only thing they’re meant to tear into is food, so give your pearly whites a rest and reach for the trusted nutcracker to do the job.

Say “No” to Hard Candies

Hard candies are enjoyable to eat but unfortunately, most people have a hard time not chewing on these delectable treats. First, they are full of sugar and can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Second, if you bite down, you are at risk for fracturing, chipping, or cracking a tooth. Have restorations? You could even lose a filling or crown. It’s best to just let these sweets gather in the bowl and kindly pass if grandma offers.

Stick to Water

It’s easy to assume that only the foods you eat will cause harm to your teeth and gums but actually, the beverages you drink can do just as much damage. This is why it’s best to stick with water. This healthy and beneficial liquid keeps you hydrated and encourages saliva production, which is great for flushing out anything unhealthy that is trying to settle on your teeth. Having a glass of wine or cup of coffee is fine in moderation but just make sure you follow it up with a glass of water and be ready to brush your teeth afterward.

If you follow these four simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful, healthy smile in 2020.

About the Author
Dr. Jayme Martinez attended Baylor College of Dentistry for his dental degree. While pursuing his degree, he achieved certification in nitrous oxide and Level 1 Sedation. Dr. Martinez and the team at Kessler Park Dental believe in the importance of maintaining optimal oral health, which is why preventive care is offered in our dental office. He and his team of dental professionals will offer tips and advice on ways to improve your oral health habits at home for better teeth and gums. If you have any questions about the services we offer, we encourage you to visit our website or call (214) 303-9969.