Request Request an Appointment Call Call Us Map View Map

5 Tips for Enjoying a Dental Emergency-Free Holiday Season

December 12, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — universitydentalgroup @ 4:13 am
Santa Claus visiting Worcester emergency dentist

The holidays are almost here—are you ready? As you bake cookies, look for the perfect gift, and set up video calls with your family, don’t forget about your oral health! While it may be tempting to put taking care of your teeth and gums on the backburner during this busy time of year, doing so will dramatically increase your risk of issues like cavities and gum disease. In fact, you may even end up finding yourself spending some quality time with your Worcester emergency dentist this holiday season! Here are five simple but effective tips for keeping a happy and healthy holiday smile.

1.) Make Time for Your Teeth

It’s no secret that the holidays are a busy time of year. Whether you’re celebrating first thing in the morning or late into the night, you should always make time for brushing and flossing. Daily dental hygiene habits are your first line of defense against most oral health issues and can make all the difference in keeping your teeth healthy and strong.

2.) Avoid Foods on the Naughty List

Cutting out all sugar during the holidays can seem like an impossible task, so instead, choose what you indulge in wisely. Avoid foods such as:

  • Hard candies like candy canes that can chip or crack your teeth.
  • Chewy foods such as fruitcake that can stick to and dislodge your fillings or dental crowns.
  • Sugary drinks like eggnog, which coat your teeth in sticky, sugary residue with every sip.

3.) Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is important all year long, but it’s especially essential during the holidays. Regularly drinking water throughout the day will help wash away any lingering sugars and acids in your mouth that could otherwise cause cavities. What’s more, most tap water contains fluoride, which can help keep your enamel strong.

4.) Take a Moment to Relax

The holidays can be stressful, especially this year. While you may just try to grin and bear it, stress can damage your teeth. You may start stress-eating sugary comfort foods, anxiously chewing on hard objects that could crack your enamel, or grinding your teeth at night. To help you stay relaxed and enjoy the holidays, remember to:

  • Get a full night’s rest.
  • Eat a nutritious diet.
  • Take time to do something you enjoy.

5.) Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

No matter how excited you are to get into that gift, bag of chips, or bottle of wine, don’t use your teeth! Using your teeth to cut, tear, or grasp anything that isn’t food can chip or crack your teeth with one wrong move. Make sure you always use the right tools when getting past gift wrap, ribbons, and bottlecaps.

When it comes to dental emergencies, the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly holds true. Visit your dentist for routine preventive care, practice great oral hygiene, and keep these tips in mind to protect your smile this holiday season.

About the Practice

At University Dental Group, we’re proud to help the families of Worcester and the surrounding communities keep their smiles strong and sparkling all year long. With a family-friendly office, late and evening hours, and flexible payment options, we go above and beyond to make oral healthcare easy and convenient. Our team of dental professionals offers a wide range of treatments for smiles of all ages to help your family maintain optimal oral health throughout every season. To learn more, we can be contacted online or at (508) 753-1911.

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.