January is one of the busiest times of year for dental checkups and cleanings. There are many reasons why this might be the case, but a leading theory is that the holidays are so rough on people’s teeth that they feel like they need a professional to undo some of the damage. Some people go so far as to say that the holidays are the absolute worst time for people’s teeth. There are a few reasons why that might be the case, but fortunately, there are also things you can do to protect your teeth. Here are some of the holiday hazards to your oral health, along with what you can do to counter them.
Cold Weather
Winter air is considerably drier than the rest of the year, which can potentially dry out your mouth. This is a problem because a dry mouth reduces the amount of saliva you produce. This saliva ordinarily breaks down food particles and carries them into the stomach, and a lack of it means that those foods will just sit in the mouth, feeding bacteria. In this way, dry mouth can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
If you’re spending a lot of time outside this winter, it’s a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you. Staying hydrated will facilitate saliva production and protect your oral health.
Holiday Food
There are quite a few holiday staples that aren’t the best for your teeth. Pie and candy are of course problematic, but so are starchy sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing. Even savory foods can be broken down easily into sugars, which feed the bacteria in the mouth. It might be a good idea to indulge in some tooth-healthy holiday foods, like turkey, so that you aren’t tempted to reach for foods that are worse for oral health.
Dental Hygiene While Traveling
The holidays are some of the busiest times of the year for travel, and when you’re on the go, it can be hard to stick to your dental hygiene routine. To make it easier, you might want to pick up a travel dental kit. They’re filled with everything you need to take care of your teeth when you aren’t at home.
If you still feel like the holidays have taken a toll on your oral health, you can always join the people who schedule a tooth cleaning come January. Not only will you get to feel nice and clean, but a dentist can also let you know more ways to protect your oral health in the future.
About Our Practice
At Cross Creek Dental Care, we want to be your one-stop shop for every dental service your family could need. We have three experienced dentists on staff, and between them, they have all the expertise necessary to craft a unique treatment plan perfectly suited to you. We have also outfitted our office with the latest in dental technology to ensure that we can offer our patients the highest quality of care. If you have any questions about protecting your oral health throughout the holiday season, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (740) 725-8000.