There’s a reason it’s called “the most wonderful time of the year.” From the family traditions to the caroling and feasting, your focus during the holidays should be on making memories — not worrying about your dental health.
Read on for three easy ways to keep your teeth in great shape during the holidays.
Then, to ensure that your family maintains great dental health all year long, partner with Beaumont Family Dentistry! Call one of our three convenient Lexington, KY locations to schedule an appointment.
- Beaumont: 859-223-2120
- Hamburg: 859-687-0975
- Leestown: 859-368-8260
1. Don’t Use Your Teeth For Unwrapping Gifts Or Cracking Nuts.
Grandma may tie those gift bows tightly, but opt for a pair of scissors instead of your incisors to help with the unwrapping! Misusing your teeth for things like opening presents, cracking nuts, or even opening bottles is just a dental emergency waiting to happen.
Cracking a tooth can cause damage beyond your tooth’s outer surface and can require a root canal procedure or a dental restoration to repair.
If you do find yourself in the middle of a dental emergency, call Beaumont Family Dentistry. During the business day, your call will be answered by a member of our caring staff, and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.
If it’s outside of normal business hours, call the number on the answering machine. Your call will be answered by our on-call dentist who will advise you on what to do until we can see you in the office.
It’s important to note that if you’re experiencing bleeding that just won’t seem to stop, seek immediate medical attention. Afterward, give us a call, and we can help you repair the damage.
2. Choose Smile-Friendly Stocking Stuffers.
It’s impossible to avoid sweets during the holiday season, but being careful about what candy you and your kids enjoy can help you avoid a dental disaster.
Steer clear of sticky caramels and chewy gummies, which can get lodged into the hard-to-reach crevices of your teeth and attract nasty bacteria.
It’s also best to pass on hard candies, which can break teeth if not properly eaten. Sour candies are another no-no since acidic solutions can weaken tooth enamel.
So, what are the best choices? Chocolate is a great choice because it’s less likely than sticky or gummy candies to stick to your teeth. If you opt for dark chocolate, that’s an even better choice because you’ll enjoy the benefits of this antioxidant-rich treat!
Another safe bet is sugar-free gum, particularly if you choose a brand that has earned the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum after meals can actually reduce your risk of tooth decay!
3. Don’t Forget To Brush And Floss!
Amid the excitement of the season, it can be easy to let good oral hygiene habits fall by the wayside. But it’s important to maintain your normal routine, particularly since you’ll be enjoying more sugary sweets than normal.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristle brush. To make sure you and your family are brushing for the correct amount of time, listen to a favorite 2-minute holiday tune while you brush!
Flossing is also important, both during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year. Make sure you’re flossing your teeth once a day.
You can help your children maintain good habits too!
Once a child has a tooth to brush, it’s important to brush their teeth using a small amount of toothpaste. For kids younger than three, a smear roughly the size of a grain of rice should be sufficient. Children older than three should use a dab of toothpaste that’s about the size of a pea.
Similarly, as soon as your child has two teeth that touch, it’s important that you floss their teeth. Kids may continue to need assistance flossing their teeth until they’re about 10 years old. After that, they should be able to do a thorough job cleaning the spaces between their teeth.
And if you’re still undecided on a New Year’s resolution, consider prioritizing your dental health in 2018!
It’s recommended that you visit the dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning once every six months.
At Beaumont Family Dentistry, we’re trained to spot early signs of gum disease and tooth decay that can become more serious dental complications later on. We hope you’ll consider us for all your general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry needs.
Call any of our three locations to make an appointment. You can also fill out our online form.
And of course, happy holidays from our family to yours!