Fact or Fiction: Are the Holidays the Worst Time for Your Teeth?

From more relaxed schedules to tons of sweet treats, it can be hard to maintain a healthy smile during the holidays. But is this time of year really the worst for your teeth? Read on to find out!

How to Maintain a Healthy Smile: The Basics

There are a few things you can do to consistently maintain a healthy smile. The first is to brush and floss your teeth twice per day, every single day. This helps keep the surface of your teeth plaque and bacteria free and prevent decay.

Second, you should maintain a healthy, balanced diet that’s low in plaque-producing sugar and carbs, as your teeth require plenty of minerals to be strong, many of which you can only get from certain foods.

Lastly, you should visit your dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations to ensure your teeth are healthy. Cavities may not be visible to the naked eye, but your dentist will be able to spot and treat them before they become problematic.

The Holidays & Your Teeth

So why are the holidays a bad time for your teeth? First, it’s our disrupted schedules. Many of us take time away from work to spend with our loved ones during the holidays, some even traveling for long periods of time. It can be easy to forget to floss when you’re not maintaining your usual routine. Moreover, you may not have a dentist appointment scheduled during this time because your calendar is booked up.

Next, this is an incredibly indulgent time of the year. Warm, homemade, and often calorie-laden meals become staples in our diet, along with high amounts of sugary caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. It can be hard to turn down sweets during the holidays, which can impact our oral health.

All this to say, the holidays can easily be a worse time for your teeth than most other times of the year. However, sticking to your oral healthcare routine and doing your best to maintain a balanced diet (despite all the temptation) can carry you through the holiday season cavity free! As with any time of the year, it’s important to be mindful of how your habits are impacting your oral and overall health.

Preventative Dentistry in Round Rock, Texas

At High Point Dentistry, we’re here for your affordable post-holiday dental checkup! Our comprehensive preventative dental services are designed to ensure your smile is healthy and strong all year long. And if you’re looking for some last-minute, pre-holiday smile makeovers, check out our cosmetic services, including professional teeth whitening! Contact us to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: Dental Health, Dental Tips, Oral Hygiene, Preventative Dentistry