How to Support Your Oral Health During the Holidays

The holidays are a time of togetherness and indulgence. But, with so many friends, family, and yummy snacks nearby, it’s hard to prioritize our oral health. So, this year, let’s make a plan to keep our smiles merry and bright, even during the hectic holidays.

Dr. Erik Swanson, DMD, and his dedicated team want to ensure that you have a happy and healthy holiday season. So, bring joy to your smile by scheduling your next dental checkup and cleaning with our caring team today. Simply call our Visalia, CA, dental office at (559) 732-4543 or submit a message here to request your appointment.

Now, let’s discuss three ways to support your oral health during this festive time of year. Creating a plan now could help you keep your smile healthy and bright all year round.

1.  Stick to an oral hygiene routine.

With so much going on, it’s easy to let brushing and flossing fall by the wayside. But, neglecting proper oral hygiene (especially during cookie and candy season!) could lead to tooth-destroying cavities and painful gum disease.

So, how do we stick to a good oral hygiene routine during this time of year? We create reminders! Dr. Swanson recommends setting reminders on your phone or downloading habit trackers to keep oral health high on your list of priorities this year.

2.  Avoid overly crunchy, hard, or sticky foods.

We all love a crunchy candy cane, a sticky toffee bar, or crispy peanut brittle, but these holiday favorites may not be so kind on our smiles. An ill-timed chomp at just the right angle could result in a chipped tooth, while sticky treats can pull out protective tooth restorations (like a dental crown or tooth filling).

However, we shouldn’t have to restrict ourselves from enjoying our favorite treats. Instead, let’s choose more smile-friendly alternatives. For example, if you love peanut brittle, then try peanut butter cookies instead. But, if you can’t find a suitable alternative, then be sure to eat your preferred treats carefully and in moderation.

3.  Limit alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and acid.

Did you know that there are approximately six billion bacteria that live in our mouths? It’s true! And, these bacteria love to feast on the sugars found in our holiday foods and drinks. So, keep bad bacteria at bay by limiting your intake of sweet treats.

A cup of cheer here and there is fine, but overindulgence could result in oral health issues. Alcohol is acidic and frequently contains added sugar, which is double trouble for our tooth enamel. It also has a drying effect on the mouth, which can lead to dental decay. And, while a warm espresso may help you tackle your holiday shopping list, too much caffeine can also lead to dry mouth.

So, limit your exposure to harmful foods and drinks, and be sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking water will help you wash away the bacteria that accumulate between brushings.

Give Yourself The Gift of Outstanding Oral Health

Now that you have a plan to support your oral health during the holiday season, it’s time to guarantee your success with a routine dental checkup and cleaning. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Swanson by sending our team a message online or by calling our Visalia dental office at (559) 732-4543.