The Top 3 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Without Damaging Your Teeth

The holidays are everybody’s favorite time of year, and one of the best things about it is the food. However, while most people love the toffee, candy canes, and pie that are standard, their teeth usually do not. In fact, many holiday foods can contribute to dental emergencies, gum disease, and tooth decay.

That said, you should still be able to enjoy yourself this holiday season without harming your oral health. Here are a few tips that could help you do that.

Cut the Candy Canes, Go for Chocolate

One of the biggest hazards to your oral health at this during the holiday season is the prevalence of hard, sticky candies. The sugar in these sweets feeds bacteria in your mouth, and those bacteria secrete corrosive acids. That means that the longer the sugar stays in your mouth, the more tooth decay there’s likely to be. Hard candy must sit on the tongue for a long time to dissolve, and sticky candy becomes wedged between teeth and sticks there. For that reason, both are particularly likely to cause tooth decay.

Chocolate is a great treat if you want something delicious this holiday season. It’s soft and melty enough to wash away quickly after you’re done eating.

Go Easy on Red Wine

Red wine is a great way to unwind during the holiday season, but if you aren’t careful, it can start to affect your oral health. First of all, alcohol dries out your mouth, as can the tannins that are often prevalent in red wine. A dry mouth disrupts the production of saliva, which would normally carry food and sugars into the stomach. The pigments in red wine can also leave stains on your teeth over time. You might want to switch to white wine over the holidays, and you should be sure to stay hydrated while you drink.

Don’t Use Teeth as Tools

When your child is begging to play with their new toy, it can be tempting to try and get the packages open as fast as possible. However, using your teeth to open them might cause you to chip a tooth. For the sake of your oral health, try to keep a pocket knife or a pair of scissors on hand when it’s time to pass out gifts.

If you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy your holiday season without doing too much damage to your teeth.

About the Author

We at Edgewood Dental believe that the best dental work is completely invisible. We want our patients to be able to show off their smiles with pride, allowing them to both look and feel their absolute best. The entire family is welcome at our practice and can make use of our incredible staff’s expertise. More importantly, all our care is offered with a gentle, personalized touch. If you have any questions about protecting your teeth this holiday season, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (219) 898-4545.