4 Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy During the Holidays

The holidays are a special time of celebration with your loved ones. This includes a lot of delicious foods and plenty of traveling. Unfortunately, these occasions can wreak havoc on your oral health if you are not being mindful of your dental habits. Here are four tips from your dentist in Chula Vista to keep your smile happy and healthy for the upcoming year!

#1: Stay on Top of Your Daily Oral Hygiene

Between traveling or having loved ones visit from out of town, it can be easy to get out of your regular routine during the holidays. While taking the time to enjoy these memorable moments, it is also vital to keep up with your daily brushing and flossing routine. Neglecting these important habits can lead to tooth decay and gum disease and can negatively impact the look and function of your smile. If you are unable to tend to your teeth right away, try chewing on some sugar-free gum until you can brush and floss.

#2: Do Your Best to Limit Snacking

During mealtimes, your saliva production is highest. Why is this important? Saliva washes away food particles and helps keep your teeth free from harmful bacteria. On the other hand, snacking throughout the day increases your risk of cavities. Additionally, most people aren’t in the habit of brushing after each snack compared to full meals. It’s best to focus on making your breakfast, lunch, and dinner well-balanced and filling to keep your pearly whites as healthy as possible!

#3: Go Easy on the Sweet Treats

You have probably heard since you were a child that sugar can have detrimental effects on your teeth. Well, the holidays are a time of the year when you are exposed to it constantly, from the office candy jar to pieces of pie after meals. It may seem impossible to avoid the various goodies, especially when celebrating with others. The good news is that you don’t have to avoid them completely! Just be sure to enjoy them in moderation and brush your pearly whites 30 minutes after eating them.

#4: Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

Between hard foods and gifts, the holidays can tempt you to use your teeth in ways that aren’t best for them! For example, when you want to crack open nuts or tear open a gift that is enclosed in strong plastic. While it is tempting to use your pearly whites due to the convenience, you should avoid doing that at all costs. It can result in serious tooth and gum damage. Instead, wait for the proper tool or ask someone for a helping hand.

By prioritizing your oral health with these tips throughout the holidays, you can keep your smile whole and healthy for 2023!

About the Author

Dr. Eric Barajas and his team at Village Walk Dental are eager to help you keep your smile healthy and bright all year long. With over 30 years of experience, he provides a full range of services, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. His goal of partnering with you to achieve a lifetime of excellent oral health is his top priority, as shown by almost 300 5-star reviews on Google! To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (619) 482-7367.