You’d think wild turkeys and The Grinch would be the ones with the most to worry about during the holiday season, but your teeth have their own reasons for concern.
While the holidays bring plenty of traveling, parties, and gift-giving, they also involve a lot of eating. Many people will let their diet slip when it comes to holiday foods, but it’s not okay to relax on your dental hygiene.
Keep reading for some tips on how to enjoy yourself and protect your teeth to close out 2021.
Exercise Candy Cane Caution
If you’ve read blog posts about being careful with Halloween candy, this tip will come as no surprise. Hard candies like peppermints and candy canes can crack your teeth if you bite too hard into them. If you can’t pass on the canes this year, then try to limit your intake and brush your teeth after eating any candy.
No Such Thing as Too Much Water
Holiday parties will offer plenty of soda and wine, but neither one is good for your teeth. Fizzy water is a better option than soda, but if you go the soda route then try to use a straw to keep most of the acid off of your teeth and remember that dark cola can stain enamel. When drinking wine, remember that red wine is a major culprit for tooth stains. White wine is less of a stain risk, but a risk nonetheless so be sure to brush afterwards.
Eat Your Vegetables and Turkey
Not all food at the holiday party is a threat to your oral health. Passing on cookies and opting for veggies is a huge win for your teeth. Broccoli and carrots specifically have a lot of vitamin A to strengthen your enamel. Turkey is another holiday food that’s great for you. It’s loaded with phosphorus and protein, which can both help keep your teeth healthy.
Don’t Let Your Teeth Double as a Nutcracker
Hopefully you’ve been abiding by this rule for a long time now, but don’t crack nuts with your teeth. The hard surface of most nutshells can cause severe tooth and gum damage. They can literally crack teeth. Also, don’t use your teeth to open plastic toy wrapping or other holiday packaging.
Bring an Oral Care Kit with You
This time of year often means traveling and if that is the case for you, don’t leave concern for your oral hygiene at home. Be sure to bring your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash with you. You can also get a dental travel kit at a pharmacy if you need to save space.
You have a lot on your mind during the holiday season and a lot of good food to eat. Just be sure to stay diligent about oral health even if you are relaxing otherwise. A visit to your dentist after the holidays for a professional cleaning is a wise move.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been providing quality dental care to the Conway community for a quarter-century, and his interest in dentistry goes back to his teenage years. When he got braces, they made Dr. Murph appreciate the profession and he thought it might be a fit for him, too. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Murph has completed more than 600 hours of continuing education courses to stay current in his treatments. If you want to schedule a professional cleaning before or after the holiday season, visit his website or call (843) 488-4357.