The holiday season is about sweet treats, festive decor, and exciting get-togethers. But a lot of work goes behind happy holidays. You need to invest time and effort in party planning, prep your home for guests, and keep cold and flu at bay. Dental emergencies are an overlooked issue, but they are more likely to happen during the winter months. The worst part is that getting help is challenging when clinics run in slow mode and appointments may not be available on the fly. Being defensive is the best way to deal with the concern, and it is absolutely possible. Here are a few tips to steer clear of dental emergencies in the holiday season.
Skip the sweets
You will likely have loads of sweet treats on your dining table during the festivities. But overdoing sweets can damage your teeth more than you imagine. The best piece of advice is to skip sweets as much as possible. Besides helping your dental health, going low on sugar intake can prevent weight gain and keep several health issues in check. Reduce the intake of juice, colas, and alcohol because these drinks can also be dental culprits.
Avoid hard foods
Another food culprit you must avoid in the holiday season is hard items like candy, ice, and crusty bread. Biting down can hurt sensitive teeth and cause severe pain. You may land in an even bigger fix if you have restorations such as crowns, veneers, implants, and dentures. The chances of landing in a dentist’s chair with an emergency are high if you do not watch out for hard foods.
Never bite on non-food items
Edibles are not the only culprit when it comes to dental problems in the festive season. You may end up looking for a dentist for emergencies if you get too excited to open your gifts and bite down on strings and tapes. It is better to use your hands, a cutter, or scissors. Likewise, steer clear of opening bottles and cans with your teeth because you may come across a chipped or cracked tooth.
See a dentist for a regular check-up
A proactive approach to dental care can save you from a lot of trouble. You must schedule a check-up before the festive rush begins. The specialist will address minor issues like cavities and gum problems on time to prevent aggravations during parties and celebrations. They may also have a few valuable insights about maximizing oral hygiene during the season.
Carry your essentials for vacations
The holiday season is also about travel and vacations with your family. Remember to pack your dental essentials to stay ahead of oral care during the trip. These include your regular toothpaste, a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss, floss threaders, and mouth rinse. Being on holiday should not be an excuse to go slack with your brushing and flossing routine. In fact, you should be more stringent about it.
Dental care should be a top priority throughout the year, and the holiday season is no exception. Follow these tips to stay ahead of dental emergencies and preserve your smile.