Whether it’s that bowl of candy canes at the office or the gingerbread cookies you baked at home, the holidays offer plenty of sweet temptations. While it’s unreasonable to forego sugar altogether, you should take added precautions to safeguard your smile during this time of year. Do yourself and your dentist a favor and follow these guidelines to protect your teeth and gums. 

During the Holidays

Try to avoid eating candy all day long because this creates a layer of sugar on your teeth that feeds cavity-causing bacteria. Don’t leave the stash of holiday treats where you can reach it at any time. Instead, keep it in a cupboard and only bring it out after dinner, when your bedtime oral hygiene routine isn’t far off.

Sweets aren’t the only threat to dental health around the holidays. Beware of nuts and their shells, which can damage the protective enamel coating your teeth if you bite down hard on them. This can also damage dental crowns or orthodontics. Avoid sticky foodstuffs like candied yams or marshmallows as well since they are difficult to clean off teeth.

It can be tempting to curl up on the couch and take a nap when you’re full of holiday food, but don’t give in. Stick to your normal brushing and flossing routine throughout the holiday season. If you have children, make sure they stay on top of oral hygiene too. 

After the Holidays

Get the New Year off to a smile-friendly start and book dentist appointments for the entire family. Everyone can benefit from professional teeth cleaning to nix the last of the holiday sweets.

This is also an opportunity for your dentist to check for potential issues. Since oral health problems tend to be progressive, the sooner they are diagnosed, the better. A small cavity might just need a filling, for example, but left unchecked, it could require a root canal. Untreated gingivitis, on the other hand, can develop into full-blown periodontal disease and even lead to tooth loss. Make preventative dental care one of your resolutions for the year.

For teeth cleaning in Honolulu, HI, head to Kaimuki Dental Group. Their team of dentists and dental hygienists provides top-quality service focused on conservative and preventative dentistry. They create lasting relationship with their patients and are proud of their community roots. You can get to know their team online. To schedule an appointment, call them directly at (808) 737-7905.