Whether it’s holiday-themed cookies and cakes or the quintessential holiday season staple of pumpkin spice or peppermint lattes, too many of the treats and indulgences we look forward to can also damage our oral health.
Even if you’re careful with the snacks, it can be easy to lose track of your sugar intake in seemingly harmless pleasures like a few glasses of wine or egg nog at your annual holiday parties and celebrations.
The good news is that we’re not here to ruin your holiday season with frightful tales of cavities and gum disease! It’s possible to still enjoy your guilty pleasures by prioritizing your oral health during the holiday season.
At 2K Dental, our team offers a range of general and cosmetic dentistry services at several convenient locations, including Parma, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Cleveland, and Aurora, Ohio.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you have your cake and eat it too this holiday season — without the cavities!
If your oral hygiene routine could use a tune-up, the holiday season is the perfect time to start some good habits. Brush your teeth after meals, and remember to floss daily. The time of day is less important than consistency, so flossing in the morning or after lunch is just as effective as flossing in the evening if that’s more convenient.
The holidays are a busy time of year for many people, and routines are often disrupted, which can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene and diet. Pack a travel-size oral hygiene kit in your bag to keep up your routine on the go if you’re spending less time at home.
If you’re at a party or event and cannot brush your teeth, rinse with water after meals and snacks.
Many people forget to drink enough water during the busy holiday season. Dehydration is bad for oral health, but drinking water also acts as a deterrent from filling up on too much wine and sugary snacks. Water helps keep the saliva flowing, preventing bacteria from hardening into plaque.
Everyone has a few favorite holiday indulgences, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy them in moderation. Go ahead and help yourself to the things you really enjoy, and avoid snacking on options just because they happen to be available.
One bite into a hard or sticky piece of candy is all it can take to crack a tooth or dislodge a dental crown or filling. That’s why we offer dental emergency services for situations that can’t wait until after the holidays! If you have a mishap, schedule an appointment right away to avoid complications or serious damage.
The holiday season is a great time to take control of your oral health and set yourself up for a healthy new year! Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning at a 2K Dental office in Parma, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Cleveland, or Aurora, Ohio.
