The holidays are here, and with them comes the expectation of spending time with friends and family and enjoying treats and sweets. However, enjoying the holiday festivities does not have to put a damper on your oral health goals. Follow the tips below to keep your oral health on track this holiday season.

Remember the Importance of Oral Hygiene During Festive Seasons

During the holiday season, tooth decay and gum disease risk can significantly rise. Running from an office party to a family event creates multiple occasions for increased sugar consumption. If you do not make brushing and flossing a priority this season,  holiday indulgences like candy canes, cookies, and eggnog can easily lead to plaque buildup and enamel damage - and costly dental treatments as a result.

Oral Health Factors to Think About during the Holidays

We know the holidays tend to be the time of year when health concerns are pushed to the back burner. During the holiday season, remember the impact that choices can have on your long-term oral and dental health. Watch out for these cavity-causing culprits over the coming weeks!

• Sugar intake: Holiday foods often contain high amounts of sugar, which feeds bacteria in the mouth and, if not properly removed, contributes to cavities. 

• Acidic beverages: Festive drinks like wine and cider can erode tooth enamel due to their acidity. 

• Stress impact: Holiday stress can lead to teeth grinding (bruxism), which can damage tooth enamel and cause jaw pain. 

• Neglecting routine: Busy holiday schedules can lead people to forget or skip their regular brushing and flossing routine.

5 Tips to Maintain Great Oral Health this Season

EAT TOOTH-FRIENDLY FOODS

Make sure to enjoy foods that are healthy for your oral health. Here are a few great healthy choices to enjoy as you celebrate. Keeping a few healthy choices in mind can help you better navigate the next party buffet. 

• Turkey: Turkey is high in phosphorus, which is good for your teeth. Turkey is also high in protein, vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice. 

• Veggies: Another great choice is to choose crunchy crudites from the veggie tray. Chewing crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can clean sticky foods away from your teeth and stimulate your gums, which helps keep your teeth healthy. 

• Cheese: While you admire the charcuterie board, cheese is a good choice that contains minerals that strengthen teeth and help balance your mouth’s pH level. A balanced pH level reduces the harmful acid which causes cavities. 

Watch Out for Beverages: 

Don't undo your efforts to whiten your teeth! Watch your wine, apple cider and coffee consumption and rinse your mouth with water after you enjoy your favorite beverages to keep the stains away. These acidic drinks can erode enamel and leave behind unsightly staining if not brushed or rinsed away.

Be particularly mindful of alcohol consumption. Alcohol can lead to tooth decay in a number of ways: 

• Alcohol can dehydrate your mouth, which reduces saliva flow. Saliva plays an important role in washing away bacteria. 

• The acid in beer, wine, cider and cocktails containing citrus can wear away tooth enamel. 

• Sugary cocktails can coat teeth and lead to tooth decay. 

Keep up with regular dental hygiene habits

After coming home late from a holiday party, it may be tempting to skip your oral routine, but make sure you keep up with daily brushing and flossing. 

Brush twice daily and floss once daily. Consider taking a small dental kit with you to holiday events and freshening up after meals. 

Maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine, ensuring you thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth. 

Enjoy Sweets in Moderation

This is a simple, always healthy tip to follow. Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays if you couldn’t indulge in desserts or your grandma’s favorite treats. Just be sure to drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum after sugary snacks.

Be cautious of candy canes

From candy canes to peppermints, hard candy is tasty and readily available during the holidays. However, it can crack your teeth if you bite down wrong. Wait and let the candies dissolve to prevent any chipping or other damage, but brush thoroughly after enjoying them.

Holiday Dental Care for Children

Children, in particular, may be susceptible to the allure of holiday treats, making dental care during this time essential. Encourage consistent oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and fluoride toothpaste. These simple habits are crucial to a cavity-free Christmas season. Additionally, monitoring their consumption of sugary treats and promoting healthy alternatives can contribute to maintaining their oral well-being.

If you are looking for a dentist near you in The Woodlands or Spring, TX, the dentists at WoodSprings Dentistry provide modern, compassionate dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. From patient education to restorative dental procedures, our entire team at Woodsprings Dentistry is passionate about creating and maintaining healthy, confident smiles for all ages. Contact our office today to book an appointment and make WoodSprings Dentistry your family’s dental home.

We look forward to meeting you! And have a wonderful holiday season.