’Tis the Season for Indulgence: 3 Tips to Protect Your Oral Health During the Holidays

’Tis the season for mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, and butter-infused feasts. The holidays are all about indulgence, but if you aren’t careful, it can take a toll on your oral health. Thankfully, a few smart practices can make all the difference.

At Family Dental Group, our team led by Nikhil Lavana, DMD, and Archana Kharkanis-Lavana, DMD, believes prevention is key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here, we provide three simple tips for reducing the risk of holiday-related oral health problems.

Do the holidays increase the risk of oral health problems?

Yes. Many people experience oral health problems during the holidays because the season revolves around sugary food and drink. Moreover, seasonal events like holiday parties often involve noshing on snacks over several hours, which prevents saliva from adequately cleaning your teeth.

Seasonal stress can also contribute. If you’re anxious about seeing family members or traveling, you might grind your teeth or overeat, exacerbating damage to your teeth and gums.

3 easy ways to protect your oral health this holiday season

The good news is you can take steps to avoid common oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and teeth grinding. Here are our top recommendations:

1. Brush and floss regularly

The easiest, most effective way to protect your oral health this holiday season is to brush and floss regularly. Although it isn’t always possible, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once daily. 

Every time you brush your teeth do so for at least two minutes. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and make small, circular motions. Brush the outsides and insides of your teeth and if you still have your wisdom teeth, make sure you get them, too. Be gentle and don’t rush the process; erratic brushing motions may cause your gums to bleed.

2. Monitor your intake of sugary foods and drinks

The holiday season involves lots of sugary foods and drinks, including Christmas cookies, spiked eggnog, and fruit cake. You don’t need to avoid these items altogether, but it’s a good idea to monitor your intake.

Nowadays, most grocery stores and restaurants offer sugar-free alternatives to holiday classics. Opting for those instead can prevent your blood sugar from spiking and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

3. Drink plenty of water

You know it's important to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, but following this rule is particularly important during the holidays. When you consume sugary snacks and beverages, plaque — a mix of food particles, saliva, and bacteria — collects on your teeth. Drinking water throughout the day can reduce this buildup and lower your risk of cavities. 

 If you consume alcohol, water provides the added benefit of hydration and may even help prevent hangovers.

We can support your oral health all season long!

The holiday season is lots of fun, but it can also affect your oral health. If it's been more than six months since your last checkup, contact Family Dental Group today. We can assess your current risk of cavities and gum disease, and provide personalized recommendations to ensure optimal health from now until the new year. Call our nearest office in Gardner, Northborough, or Paxton, Massachusetts, or book your appointment online today.