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Tips for a Healthy Mouth during the Holidays

dr-krishnan-thanksgivingThanksgiving is quickly approaching and before we know it, Christmas and New Year’s will be here. While we get together with family and friends, eat lots of food, and enjoy the holiday season, we sometimes forget to take care of our teeth.

Dental problems during the holidays can be a very big issue. Some common issues are:

Cavities

It is important to try to avoid too many foods and drinks that contain excess amounts of sugar to prevent tooth decay. We also tend to become lazy when it comes to taking care of our teeth. Over time, the enamel on our teeth becomes weak and damaged, forming a cavity. See our Dental Cleaning & Prevention page to schedule an appointment or to find out more information.

Cracking teeth

Another dental problem during the holidays is, cracking or damaging teeth. We tend to consume more candy during this period and more specifically, hard candy. Eating hard candy can chip or even break your teeth. Rather than chomping down let the sweet slowly melt in your mouth. Eating ice from holiday drinks can also cause discomfort to sensitive teeth and can cause toothaches. Allowing the ice to melt in your drink and not eating them is the best solution. If you suffer from a toothache (possible caused by a cracked tooth), then crown lengthening may be necessary to prepare the tooth for a crown or a filling.

Teeth grinding

The holidays can be quite stressful especially if you are hosting and you want everything to be perfect. Teeth grinding and nail biting are common during the holidays and can cause dental issues to sensitive teeth. In fact, teeth grinding and nail biting can make sensitive teeth worse during the holiday season. Try to keep your stress level down and enjoy time with your family and friends. See our Dental Implants page for a solution to damaged teeth due to teeth grinding.

How to Keep a Healthy Mouth During the Holidays

Because we know it’s easy to get carried away during the holidays just keep these things in mind:

  • Don’t skip your regular routine.
  • Continue to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. By doing so, especially during the holidays, you will reduce the risk of dental problems and maybe even have that extra glass of eggnog.
  • Try to avoid hard foods. Candy and ice should be carefully eaten and if you must be sure to let it melt before consuming.

Even though our holiday hours may have changed, don’t hesitate to contact our office for an appointment if your teeth are bothering you. We want everyone to have healthy teeth this holiday season.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Dr. Krishnan’s office!

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