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The holidays are an exciting time of year as you gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate the season. Nothing will ruin your festivities quicker than an unexpected trip to your Lehigh Valley dentist due to a dental emergency. You can ensure you do not spend time sitting in a dental chair by following some simple tips for a healthy holiday smile.
- Keep Your Smile Cavity-Free
No holiday gathering is complete without sweet treats and drinks. Although they may taste great, they are very damaging to your teeth. They contain high amounts of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. When your saliva combines with the sugars, it turns to an acid, which slowly eats away at your enamel causing a cavity. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain.
To reduce your risk, it is best to snack smart during the holidays. Instead of cookies and treats, choose healthier alternatives like low-fat cheese and fresh fruits or vegetables. It is also best to skip the eggnog and sugary drinks by choosing water instead. If you cannot ignore your sweet tooth, brush your teeth right away. If you cannot get to your toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water.
- Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Although the holidays are a busy time of the year, you should never be too busy to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night before going to bed. This can be difficult to do when you are away from home. If you are traveling, be sure to pack all the necessary dental products to make it easy to keep your mouth clean.
- Avoid a Dental Emergency
You may never expect a dental emergency to happen to you, but 1 in 6 Americans faces one every year. There is no worse time to have one than during the holidays. Although you cannot fully prevent one, there are several things you can do to help lower your risk of a dental emergency.
If you participate in sports during family gatherings, be sure to wear an athletic mouthguard to prevent a broken, knocked out, or dislodged tooth. You can also help to reduce the risk of a broken or fractured tooth by not chewing or biting on overly hard foods, like ice or candies. In addition, do not use your teeth as tools to open packages.
Keep Your Smile Healthy for the Holidays
To ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful for the holidays, take the time to visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. They will look for any issues that may lead to a dental emergency during the season, like a cavity or a weakened tooth.
With a proactive approach, you can rest assured you will spend more time with your loved ones and less time in a dental chair.
About Dr. S. John Salivonchik
Dr. S. John Salivonchik is a trusted provider for high-quality dental care. With a focus on prevention, he strives to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the year to reduce your risk of dental emergencies. If you need an appointment before the new year, contact our office today to schedule your visit.
